New Jersey Daycare Owner Charged After Allegedly Giving Melatonin Gummies to Young Children Without Parents’ Permission
A New Jersey daycare owner is facing criminal charges after authorities alleged that she gave melatonin gummies to young children without first obtaining permission from their parents.
According to prosecutors, 57-year-old Cheryl Ambicki, the owner of Precious Gifts Day Care Center in Dunellen, has been charged with two counts of child endangerment. Investigators believe the gummies were given to children during nap time to help them sleep.
The investigation began after officials received a tip on Friday, July 10. Law enforcement authorities quickly looked into the allegations by interviewing four employees at the daycare center.
During the investigation, officials discovered a bottle of melatonin hidden inside a desk drawer at the facility. Court documents state that investigators later learned Ambicki had instructed one of her employees to hide the bottle.
Authorities also said Ambicki admitted to asking the employee to conceal the melatonin after investigators became involved.
According to court records, the children involved were 2 and 4 years old. Prosecutors allege that each child was given a 10-milligram melatonin gummy without the knowledge or consent of their parents.
Melatonin is commonly used as a sleep aid, but investigators emphasized that the issue in this case centers on the alleged administration of the gummies to young children without parental authorization.
Following the investigation, authorities charged Ambicki on the same day the allegations were reported. She was arrested in connection with the case.
Court records show that Ambicki, who lives in Middlesex Borough, is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 27. As of now, no attorney has been listed for her in available court records.
The case remains under the jurisdiction of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office as the legal process moves forward.
Sources
- Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office
- Middlesex County Superior Court (court records)
