4 Tennessee day care workers accused of giving small children sleep aids

STEWART COUNTY, Tenn. — Four employees of a Tennessee day care have been charged after a two-year investigation concluded that they gave children sleep aids without their parents’ consent.

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The four individuals arrested include Jamie Clark, 45; Kristin Clark, 22; Jordan Darnell, 22; and Ethan Pulley, 21, WZTV reported.

The investigation, prompted by parental complaints, involved 26 children ranging in age from infant to 6 years old at MiMi’s Child Care, the TV station reported.

Specifically, parents told investigators that their children were lethargic or exhibited health-related issues after staying at the facility, and detectives determined that the workers administered melatonin to the children, WKRN-TV reported.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, melatonin is a neurohormone secreted by the pineal gland, known to organize the body’s circadian rhythm, thereby, promoting sleep.

Detectives Dana Saltkill and Lee Miller with the Stewart County Sheriff’s Office told WKRN that they believe the caretakers have been dispensing the sleep aid for about three years.

According to the TV station, Jamie Clark, Kristin Clark and Darnell are charged with child abuse/neglect, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and tampering with evidence and criminal violations. Pulley was charged with fabricating/tampering with evidence.

The day care surrendered its license three days before the arrests and is now closed, WKRN reported, citing the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

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