A daycare worker from Forsyth Methodist Church has been taken into custody for purportedly drugging toddlers with Benadryl to induce sleep at nap time. Kendasia Hughley, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, is facing charges after an incident where she allegedly administered the medication to children as young as two at lunchtime was reported.
An observant co-teacher brought the issue to the attention of the daycare director on March 5, but it wasn't until after the word began circulating on social media that the director reported it to authorities, as FOX 5 Atlanta noted. This delay sparked concerns about the immediate response to such serious allegations within the child care environment.
Authorities have voiced that Benadryl, a common allergy medication, is not deemed safe for children under six without the guidance of a medical professional. The risk of serious or even fatal side effects is heightened amongst the young, highlighting the gravity of the charges. Hughley turned herself in on Monday and is being held without bond at Monroe County Jail facing reckless conduct charges, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office has stated that their investigation is active, involving reviews of video footage and witness interviews. Additional charges and the implication of more suspects are potentialities as the investigation unfolds. Thus far, other persons of interest have not been named by law enforcement, according to WGXA. The community awaits further developments as the case continues to be probed and the safety protocols within child care institutions are questioned.
