Daycare worker gave toddlers Benadryl ‘to make them sleepy’ before nap time, GA cops say
A daycare worker at a church in Georgia is accused of distributing Benadryl to toddlers in her classroom before their nap time, deputies said.
Kendasia Hugley, a teacher at Forsyth Methodist Church Preschool, is charged with reckless conduct, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said in a March 10 news release.
Deputies said they received a report March 9 about Hugley handing out Benadryl on March 5 to children in her classroom who are approximately 2 years old “to make them sleepy for their nap time.” Video footage and witnesses confirmed the incident, according to the release.
McClatchy News reached out to the daycare for comment March 11 but did not receive an immediate response.
According to the drug’s official website, children between 2 and 5 years of age can be given up to 4 tablespoons of Children’s Benadryl per day. However, some experts do not recommend giving the drug to children under 6 years of age.
The type of Benadryl given to the toddlers was not specified.
Deputies said a co-teacher at the daycare initially reported seeing the incident to the daycare director, but the director did not report it to officials until after Facebook posts about the incident were shared.
Hughley turned herself in March 10, deputies said. She was being held without bond at the Monroe County Jail.
The incident is still being investigated, deputies said, adding that more charges could be filed and more suspects could be charged.
Forsyth is about a 60-mile drive southeast from Atlanta.
This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 7:52 AM with the headline "Daycare worker gave toddlers Benadryl ‘to make them sleepy’ before nap time, GA cops say."
