Michael Meyden, 57, from Lake Oswego, Oregon, was sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to spiking the smoothies of three of his daughter’s friends with sedatives during a sleepover last year. Meyden pleaded guilty to three felony counts of causing another person to ingest a controlled substance. The incident occurred on August 25, 2023, when the girls, all 12 years old, tested positive for benzodiazepine, a drug used for anxiety.

Meyden’s attorney, Jeff Turnoy, mentioned that Meyden could get five months off his sentence for good behavior. The court dismissed additional felony and misdemeanor charges as part of a negotiated deal. Meyden also received three years of post-prison supervision.

Meyden expressed remorse and apologized in court, acknowledging the harm he caused. Although the reason for drugging the smoothies was not clear, Meyden claimed he wanted the girls to sleep and not sneak out.

The affidavit detailed that Meyden was involved in the girls’ activities, took them for manicures, and made them smoothies before bed. One girl drank two smoothies and experienced severe symptoms, while another drank one, and a third barely drank any. Meyden’s daughter also tested positive for drugs, but he was not charged with drugging her.

Meyden’s actions, including attempts to separate the girls and checking their breathing, led one girl to text her parents in fear, prompting a family friend to pick her up. Eventually, other parents retrieved their children from Meyden’s home.