Three Forsyth daycare workers facing charges in Benadryl investigation; Daycare shut down
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office has arrested two additional daycare workers as part of the ongoing investigation, which began after concerns were raised about the unauthorized administration of medication.
FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Three daycare workers from Forsyth Methodist Church’s Caring for Kids daycare are now facing charges following an investigation into allegations that a staff member gave Benadryl to children without authorization.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two additional daycare workers as part of the ongoing investigation, which began after concerns were raised about the unauthorized administration of medication.
Daycare staff facing charges
Daycare director Cathy Stevick was charged with three counts of failure to report child abuse, a misdemeanor.
(L-R) Stevick, Webb and Hughley (Photos: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office)
Teacher Shelby Webb was charged with one count of simple battery (a misdemeanor) and one count of cruelty to children in the first degree (a felony).
Additionally, Kendasja Hughley, who was previously arrested, now faces six counts of cruelty to children in the first degree (a felony) and one count of simple battery (a misdemeanor).
Investigation details
An investigation by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning revealed video footage of staff members raising their voices at children while redirecting them and roughly handling them, including picking them up and throwing them onto mats.
Officials have not yet determined how often or for how long children were given Benadryl while at the daycare. Law enforcement was first contacted about the incident on March 10, when Hughley was initially arrested and charged.
According to reports, daycare management became aware of a staff member’s actions on March 5 and reviewed video footage confirming that Benadryl was given to children.
Ongoing investigation and daycare closure
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Department of Family and Children Services, and the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning are all involved in the investigation.
As part of the inquiry, officials are reviewing video evidence. In the meantime, DECAL issued an emergency closure order on March 17, effectively shutting down the daycare. The order states that allowing the center to operate during the investigation would endanger the health, safety and welfare of children in care.
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning issued an emergency closure order on March 17. The order will shut down the daycare for 21 days while DECAL continues its investigation, unless the facility appeals the decision within 48 hours.
