Former day-care worker sentenced in supplement case

CINCINNATI (AP) — A former Ohio church day-care worker has been sentenced to six months in jail for slipping a dietary supplement into children’s candy to get them to sleep.

Cincinnati resident Donna Scott, 42, was convicted of three counts of child endangering. Prosecutors say she and a co-worker gave them melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone whose possible side effects in supplement form include dizziness and nightmares.

Scott’s attorney said today his client was unaware of the risks. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports she sought probation.

But the judge called her actions reprehensible and said parents should be able to have confidence in their day cares.

Scott’s co-worker was previously sentenced to six months in jail and is appealing.