NoCal worker charged with putting pills in tots’ cups

Northern California prosecutors have formally charged a former day care worker accused of trying to slip sleeping pills to 10 children under the age of 2.

Santa Clara County District Attorney office on Thursday charged 59-year-old Deborah Gratz with five misdemeanor counts of attempted child endangerment and five misdemeanor counts of assault.

Gratz was fired from the Kiddie Academy childcare facility in Morgan Hill on Friday after a witness reported seeing her put something into the cups of several children right before their nap time. Police said Gratz told administrators she put an over-the-counter sleeping aid “Sominex” into the kids’ drinks. The cups were confiscated before any child took a drink.

Gratz worked at the facility since 2007. She is scheduled to enter a plea March 26.