Deputies: Forsyth daycare teacher arrested, accused of giving Benadryl to toddlers

A Forsyth daycare teacher has been arrested and charged after giving Benadryl to toddlers to make them sleepy at nap time, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A Forsyth daycare teacher has been arrested and charged after giving Benadryl to toddlers to make them sleepy at nap time, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began on Sunday, March 9, after a report was made to the sheriff’s office about an employee at Forsyth Methodist Church daycare. Deputies say on Wednesday, March 5, 2 ½-year-old children in the toddler room were given Benadryl before lunch.

According to the sheriff’s office, teacher Kendasja Hughley was accused of providing the medication. A co-teacher witnessed the incident and reported it to the daycare director.

“Benadryl is not to be given to children under the age of six without a doctor’s supervision or in an emergency,” the sheriff’s office said.

The sheriff’s office said the director did not notify the Bright from the Start program until March 9 at 8 p.m., after Facebook posts about the incident surfaced. Investigators reviewed video footage and spoke with witnesses to confirm Hughley had given the medication to children.

Authorities took out warrants for Hughley, who turned herself in on Monday.

She is charged with reckless conduct and is being held without bond at the Monroe County Jail.