Chicago Daycare Teachers Arrested

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

Three young teachers at a daycare in Chicago were arrested after discovering that they had supplied the children caring for gummy bears with a sleep-inducing substance.

According to police sources, the incident occurred at the Kiddie Junction Daycare Children's Center, located at 1619 E. Oakton Street. Police went to the site after receiving a report of a "suspicious" incident.

There they discovered that a group of 2-year-old children -on average- had received a dose of melatonin-adulterated gummy bears, without the knowledge or consent of the parents.

Police in the city of Des Plaines discovered on the site a bottle of 120 gummy bears that still contained several pieces. Later, they contacted the parents to inform them of the fact, as reported by the CBS-2 Chicago station.

Kristen Lauletta, 32; Jessica Heyse, 19; and Ashley Helfbein, 25, were arrested and now face two counts of endangering the life or health of a minor and two counts of assault, respectively, according to police.

"This is a horrible case of lack of common sense," said Police Chief William Kushner. Fortunately, as far as we know, no child was hurt. The incident was limited to only one classroom.” "They allegedly did it in their effort to calm the kids down before taking a nap."

The three teachers were placed in the custody of the authorities and in their interrogations they allegedly admitted having adulterated the sweets to give them to the children. According to police, the three suspects said they did not know that what they were doing was inappropriate because melatonin is a sleep-inducing supplement that is sold without a prescription.

Parallel to the police investigation, the Chicago Department of Children's Services (DCFS) is conducting its own investigation into the matter. The three women are scheduled to meet in Skokie court this April 4.