GAINESVILLE, GA — Two women operating a day care service in Gainesville were arrested after authorities alleged they regularly gave young children high doses of Benadryl and melatonin before nap time.
Stacie Fuller Young, 51, and her daughter-in-law, Ptiery Verby-Sunshine Edge, 35, ran the unlicensed day care from Young’s home in the Hall County city, about 55 miles northeast of Atlanta. The Hall County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the pair in December 2024 after a parent noticed their child becoming “lethargic” and “irritable.” Bloodwork on two children revealed elevated levels of the sleep aid melatonin and the allergy medication Benadryl.
Sheriff’s Office spokesperson B.J. Williams said the investigation found the children were allegedly dosed daily while in the care of Young and Edge, though the levels were not deemed toxic. Both women were arrested on Jan. 13 and charged with four misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct.
The investigation also revealed that Young was not licensed to care for more than two children, and she was issued a cease-and-desist order on Jan. 7 by the Georgia Department of Early Childcare and Learning (DECAL), which is conducting its own investigation.
Young and Edge were released after posting $5,200 bail each.
