Oregon Man Sentenced to Two Years for Drugging Daughter and Friends at Sleepover

Murder In The Morning | Daily True Crime News

Michael Meyden, a 57-year-old resident of Lake Oswego, was sentenced to two years in prison for drugging his daughter and her friends with fruit smoothies laced with sleeping medication. Meyden's actions during a sleepover last summer have shocked the community and led to widespread condemnation.
The incident occurred last summer when Meyden organized a sleepover for his 12-year-old daughter and her three friends. According to Meyden, the children did not go to bed by 11 p.m. as he had hoped, prompting him to take drastic measures to ensure they got some rest.
"I wanted them to be well-rested for the next day, but I also wanted to get some sleep myself," Meyden explained during his sentencing.
Meyden decided to lace fruit smoothies with a sleeping medication, which he then offered to the girls. Two of the friends drank the smoothies and soon fell unconscious. The third girl, suspicious of the situation, declined the drink and texted a family friend for help after witnessing Meyden's unusual behavior.
The quick-thinking girl alerted a family friend by text message after seeing Meyden return to check if the girls were asleep. Meyden's actions included moving the arm of one girl, repositioning another, and putting his finger under one’s nose to check for breathing. The family friend promptly picked up the girl and alerted her parents, who then contacted the families of the other girls.
Upon testing at a local hospital, all three girls, including Meyden's daughter, were found to have benzodiazepine in their systems. Benzodiazepine is a medication commonly used to treat insomnia and anxiety.
During the sentencing, the courtroom heard emotional statements from the families of the affected children. One mother passionately addressed Meyden, saying, "No decent parent feels the need to drug their own child and her friends. No decent parent feels the need to go down and confirm children are unconscious. No decent parent puts their hands on drugged and unconscious young girls without nefarious intent."
Meyden, expressing remorse, told the court, "My whole life is destroyed. Everything that was important to me up until that point is gone."
Meyden pleaded guilty to three felony counts of causing another person to ingest a controlled substance, leading to his two-year prison sentence.
The incident has left the Lake Oswego community reeling, with many parents expressing disbelief and concern over the safety of their children. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of vigilance and communication among families to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of trust and safety in parenting. The community continues to grapple with the implications of Meyden's actions and the impact on the young girls involved.
Michael Meyden's sentencing marks a critical step in addressing the gravity of his actions. As the families affected begin the healing process, the broader community remains united in ensuring the safety and well-being of its children.
For more updates on this story and other local news, stay tuned to our website and social media channels.
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