Ohio day care worker jailed for slipping dietary supplement into candy to get kids to sleep

Ohio worker jailed for slipping kids melatonin

CINCINNATI — A former day care worker at an Ohio church has been sentenced to six months in jail for slipping a dietary supplement into children’s candy to get them to sleep.

Forty-two-year-old Cincinnati resident Donna Scott was convicted of three counts of child endangering. Prosecutors say she and a co-worker gave children melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone whose possible side effects in supplement form include dizziness and nightmares.

Scott’s attorney said Wednesday his client was unaware of the risks. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports she sought probation.

But the judge called her actions “reprehensible” and said parents should be able to have confidence in their day cares.

Scott’s co-worker was previously sentenced to six months in jail and is appealing.

Information from: The Cincinnati Enquirer, www.enquirer.com