Daycare Worker Avoids Prison for Drugging Child with Melatonin

A recent court ruling in New Hampshire has determined that a daycare worker, who administered melatonin to children without parental consent, will not serve time in prison. Sally Drekman, 53, pleaded guilty to charges including forgery of physical evidence and reckless conduct, according to records from the Hillsborough North Superior Court.

Judge Amy Messer issued a sentence that could have carried a maximum of seven years; however, Drekman has been banned from running or working in daycare facilities, as well as from having unsupervised contact with minors under 18, aside from her family. Beyond that, she has also been ordered to pay restitution, complete 100 hours of community service, and avoid contact with the victim and their family.

This unsettling case traces back to November 2023 when Manchester Police received alarming reports of unsafe practices at the Amory Street In-Home Daycare. Investigations revealed that melatonin, a common sleep aid, was sprinkled over food served to children. Thankfully, the children did not suffer any severe health issues, but melatonin can still pose significant risks.

In light of the investigation, arrest warrants were issued for Drekman and three other employees in May 2024, all facing ten counts of child endangerment. Initially charged with over 30 counts, including child endangerment and forgery, Drekman took a plea deal leading to her current sentence.

Prosecutor Sean Sweeney commented that the case exposes a troubling gap in New Hampshire law, noting that endangering a child’s welfare isn’t always treated as a felony. He highlighted a recent bill aimed at tightening these laws that was turned down by local lawmakers, who expressed concerns it might criminalize ordinary parental errors.

Without legislative changes, Sweeney remarked, lighter sentences in similar cases are likely to continue.