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Lynnwood daycare accused of medicating children with Benadryl, no charges filed

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Published  January 14, 2025 10:07pm PST
Lynnwood
FOX 13 Seattle

Lynnwood daycare accused of drugging kids

The owner and operator of a Lynnwood daycare that allegedly medicated children with Benadryl will not face charges.

The Brief

    • The owner and operator of a Lynnwood daycare that allegedly medicated children with Benadryl will not face charges.
    • Multiple parents received letters saying that no criminal charges would be filed against Shanine Lofton, but did not confirm that the allegations were unfounded.
    • One Kenmore mother claims her child was given "purple candy" and is worried about the implications of the letter.

LYNNWOOD, Wash. - Families who sent their children to Little Hands Big Hearts Early Learning in Lynnwood have been notified that criminal charges will not be filed against the daycare's owner and operator, Shanine Lofton.

Lofton was accused of medicating children in her care with Benadryl to get them to sleep, according to a lawsuit brought forward by multiple families in 2023.

What they're saying:

Multiple mothers who spoke with FOX 13 say they received a letter from the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney, alerting them that criminal charges will not be filed against Lofton, saying in part:

"In doing so, we have to address two primary questions. The first is whether or not the reported actions fit the definition of a specific crime. The second is whether there is a chance we can prove in a trial that the crime occurred. We would have to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a specific level of proof. Most cases referred to this Unit which are not charged are declined because they fall short of that measurement."

The letter also adds that the letter itself does not imply the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney's Office decided that the allegations are unfounded.

A Kenmore mother who says her child claims he was given "purple candy" in Lofton's care, says she is worried about the implications of the letter.

"It's totally crazy. Unfortunately, we're seeing this happen all across the country, but in other states we're seeing these providers be charged and some even go to jail."

Child Care Licensing Inspection Report

She says she also received a letter from the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney that said her child may be eligible for Crime Victim's Compensation, which can pay for medical or counseling costs, but she says it's not enough.

"I think it sets a really dangerous precedent that this isn't taken more seriously, whether they were to win or lose. I think they should have charged [Lofton]."

Lofton and the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney have not responded to FOX 13's request for comment.

The Source: Information from this story is from parents who received a letter from the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney regarding Little Hands Big Hearts Early Learning.

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