Johnston Police Investigate Melatonin Incident at Local Daycare

Authorities also assisted in a multi-agency raid on a Providence massage parlor tied to alleged prostitution and money laundering.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:39am

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An extreme close-up of a melatonin gummy against a dark background, capturing the stark, gritty, and investigative nature of the incident without depicting any violence or victims.A recent melatonin incident at a Johnston daycare has raised concerns about child safety and supervision, while a separate investigation into a Providence massage parlor exposed alleged prostitution and money laundering.Providence Today

Johnston police are investigating a report that a child may have been given melatonin gummies at the Creative Early Learning Center earlier this month. The daycare's owner is cooperating, state child welfare officials have been notified, and investigators are still determining who may have provided the gummies and whether any charges are warranted. Separately, Johnston police assisted state and federal authorities in a major investigation into alleged prostitution and money laundering at a Providence massage parlor, where several suspects now face felony charges.

Why it matters

The melatonin incident at the daycare has raised concerns about child safety and supervision, while the massage parlor investigation highlights the ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and financial crimes in the region.

The details

In the daycare case, police are working to determine the source of the melatonin gummies and whether any laws were broken. The Creative Early Learning Center's owner is cooperating fully with the investigation. Regarding the Providence massage parlor, Johnston police joined state and federal authorities in executing a multi-agency raid, leading to the arrest of several suspects on charges related to prostitution and money laundering. Investigators seized tens of thousands of dollars and helped relocate potential victims while examining financial records and online reviews tied to the business.

  • On April 4, 2026, a child may have been given melatonin gummies at the Creative Early Learning Center in Johnston.
  • The multi-agency raid on the Providence massage parlor occurred in recent weeks.

The players

Creative Early Learning Center

A daycare facility in Johnston, Rhode Island where a child may have been given melatonin gummies.

Johnston Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the melatonin incident at the daycare and assisting in the Providence massage parlor raid.

Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families

The state agency that has been notified about the melatonin incident at the Johnston daycare.

Providence Massage Parlor

A business in Providence, Rhode Island that was the target of a multi-agency investigation into alleged prostitution and money laundering.

State and Federal Authorities

The law enforcement agencies that led the investigation into the Providence massage parlor, with assistance from the Johnston Police Department.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children in our community.”

— Chief Mark Zielinski, Johnston Police Department

What’s next

Investigators will continue to examine evidence and determine if any charges will be filed in the melatonin incident at the Johnston daycare. The Providence massage parlor case is ongoing, with prosecutors reviewing the evidence gathered during the multi-agency raid.

The takeaway

These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in protecting vulnerable populations and combating illicit activities within their communities. The Johnston Police Department's involvement in both cases demonstrates their commitment to collaborating with state and federal partners to address complex public safety concerns.