Hollister Resident Arrested for Child Endangerment

Allegedly slipped ‘Sominex’ into their drinking cups

HOLLISTER—Authorities from the Morgan Hill Police Department arrested 59-year-old Hollister resident Deborah Gratz on child endangerment charges for allegedly putting an unknown substance into toddler’s drinking cups.

Deborah Gratz

Morgan Hill Police responded to the Kiddie Academy Childcare on a report that a teacher had been terminated for the suspicious action.

The Academy had fired Gratz on that previous Friday after she was identified as the person who had doctored the children’s drinks.  Gratz had been a full time employee at the Kiddie Academy for the last five years.  Her primary responsibility was as a teacher for a class of toddlers ranging from 1-to-2 years old.

During the investigation, authorities learned that a witness had observed Gratz slipping an unknown substance into the cups.  Gratz had admitted to putting “Sominex”, an over the counter sleeping aid, into the drinks when a facility administrator confronted her.

“We still have no idea as to why she did this,” Morgan Hill Police Sergeant Troy Hoefling said. “She told other employees that it was “Sominex” but we are still determining that at this time.”

Morgan Hill Police served a search warrant at Gratz’s Hollister residence and recovered evidence pertaining to the investigation.  After making contact with her at her home Gratz was arrested, transported and booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail.

Gratz was charged with felony cruelty to children by inflicting injury and child endangerment.  “A judge determined that Ms. Gratz was not a flight risk so she was released on her own recognizance,” Sergeant Hoefling added.

Anyone who may have information regarding this incident can contact the Morgan Hill Police Department Investigation Unit at 1-831-779-2101.

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