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Written by: A. Smith
Published March 12, 2025 @ 8:30 AM ET
MONROE COUNTY, Ga. – A daycare teacher at a church in Monroe County has been arrested after authorities say she gave Benadryl to toddlers without authorization to make them drowsy for nap time.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were alerted on Sunday afternoon that Kendasja Hughley, an employee at the Forsyth Methodist Church daycare, had allegedly administered the medication to children in the toddler room. The children affected are approximately 2 ½ years old.
Investigators determined the incident took place on Wednesday, but the daycare’s director did not report it to the Bright from the Start program—a state agency overseeing childcare services—until Sunday evening. The delay came after a co-teacher witnessed the act and reported it to the director, and social media posts surfaced discussing the incident.
Deputies reviewed video footage and interviewed witnesses, confirming that Hughley had given the medication to the children, officials said. Benadryl, an over-the-counter antihistamine, is not recommended for children under six without a doctor’s supervision or in emergency situations, according to medical guidelines.
Authorities issued 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.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges or arrests could follow.