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A quiet New Jersey daycare has become the center of a growing criminal investigation after authorities accused its owner of giving melatonin to two young children without their parents' knowledge or permission.

The allegations have shaken families and raised fresh concerns about trust, oversight and child safety inside licensed childcare facilities. Prosecutors say the case involves two children on the autism spectrum, while one family now plans to pursue legal action against both the daycare and the state agency responsible for regulating childcare centers.

Daycare Owner Arrested on Child Endangerment Charges

Authorities arrested Cheryl Ambicki, 57, accusing her of administering melatonin to two children attending the Precious Gifts Day Care Center in Dunellen, New Jersey.

Prosecutors charged Ambicki with two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, alleging she provided the sleep aid without obtaining parental consent.

The accusations have transformed what appeared to be an ordinary daycare into the focus of a widening investigation that could uncover additional victims.

Two Children Allegedly Given Melatonin

According to prosecutors, Ambicki allegedly gave melatonin to a 2-year-old boy to help him fall asleep during scheduled nap time at the daycare.

Authorities also allege that a 4-year-old child attending the same facility received the sleep supplement under similar circumstances.

Attorney Crystal Pettiford, who represents the family of the younger child, said both children involved in the investigation are on the autism spectrum.

"They sent him to this facility, trusted this facility," Pettiford said, describing the confidence the family had placed in the daycare before the allegations surfaced.

Anonymous Tip Sparked Investigation

The investigation reportedly began after an anonymous individual came forward to authorities.

According to Pettiford, the witness allegedly observed concerning behavior at the daycare and decided to report what they had seen.

"My understanding is that there was an anonymous source who came forward after witnessing these behaviors, and the person went to authorities," Pettiford said.

Like a single crack spreading across a dam, one report has now opened the door to a broader investigation into what may have occurred inside the childcare center.

Family Says Child Returned Home Groggy

The attorney said the family had noticed troubling changes long before learning about the allegations.

Their 2-year-old son reportedly returned home appearing unusually groggy and restless after spending the day at the daycare.

At the time, the family—already navigating their son's medical needs—had no reason to suspect he may have been receiving melatonin without their knowledge.

Pettiford explained that the supplement was allegedly given in a form designed to avoid raising suspicion.

"My understanding is that it was a gummy or some sort of sweet substance that would have not alarmed the child," she said. "In fact, it may have been something a child looked forward to."

Family Believes Conduct Lasted for Months

According to Pettiford, the child had attended Precious Gifts Day Care Center since he was 10 months old, leading the family to fear the alleged conduct may have continued over an extended period.

"Our belief is that it went on for an extended period of time," she said.

The family does not believe the allegations represent an isolated incident and hopes the ongoing investigation will determine whether additional children may have been affected.

Lawsuit Planned Against Daycare and State

Pettiford said physicians are currently evaluating the 2-year-old child to better understand any potential effects.

She also confirmed that the family intends to file a civil lawsuit against both the daycare and the New Jersey agency responsible for overseeing licensed childcare facilities.

The planned litigation is expected to seek accountability for the alleged unauthorized administration of melatonin as well as broader questions surrounding regulatory oversight.

Daycare License Suspended

The New Jersey Department of Children and Families said state confidentiality laws prevent officials from confirming or denying the existence of ongoing investigations.

However, the department confirmed that the operating license for Precious Gifts Day Care Center is currently suspended.

The suspension marks a significant regulatory action while investigators continue examining the allegations.

Prosecutors Seek Additional Information

The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office continues to investigate the case and is encouraging anyone with information to contact authorities.

Investigators are working to determine whether the alleged incidents were isolated or part of a broader pattern of conduct at the daycare.

Meanwhile, repeated attempts by CBS News New York to obtain comment from the daycare were unsuccessful. Calls to the facility went unanswered, and no one responded when reporters visited an address believed to be Ambicki's residence.

Court Hearing Scheduled

Court records show that Ambicki is scheduled to appear for a pre-indictment hearing on Aug. 27.

As the criminal case moves forward, both investigators and the affected families continue searching for answers about how the alleged conduct unfolded and whether other children may have been exposed without their parents' knowledge.

The nj daycare melatonin kids investigation remains active, with prosecutors urging witnesses or anyone possessing relevant information to come forward as the inquiry continues.