Body of missing Aromas man found in pond
The body of an Aromas man reported missing April 3 has been found in an Aromas fishing pond at the end of Rose Avenue, according to the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office.
Hollister woman who tried to drug toddlers gets 6-month sentence
The Hollister woman who pleaded no contest to trying to slip sleep-aid medication to toddlers under her care at a Morgan Hill daycare facility was sentenced to six months in Santa Clara County Jail on Monday, according to authorities.
Deborah Gratz, 59 of Hollister, was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Kenneth Shapero following a hearing at South County Courthouse in Morgan Hill. She was sentenced to six months in jail followed by four years of formal probation, with a list of conditions for her release during probation, according to Deputy District Attorney Sumerle Davis.
In May, Gratz pleaded no contest to five counts of attempted child endangerment as part of a plea bargain with the D.A.’s office.
The misdemeanor charges stem from Gratz’ attempt to put a sleep-aid drug known as Sominex into the sippy-cups of some children under her care at Kiddie Academy daycare in Morgan Hill, authorities said. Gratz had worked at the daycare business since 2007, and has worked in the childcare field for about 20 years.
The attempted drugging occurred in early March, according to police. Another employee of Kiddie Academy saw Gratz place an unknown substance into the sippy cups of about 10 toddlers between the ages of 1 and 2.
Staff at Kiddie Academy determined that Gratz had placed the over-the-counter sleep-aid medication in the children’s drinks, police said. The staff fired Gratz and reported the attempted drugging to Morgan Hill police.
Officers investigated the incident, and arrested Gratz March 11 at her home in Hollister.
None of the children were harmed by Gratz’ actions, police said.
Police added that Gratz had a “spotless” record during her career as a daycare professional until the incident at Kiddie Academy was reported.
Gratz remains out of custody, but she is required to report to South County Courthouse to begin serving her six-month sentence in jail Sept. 27, Davis said.
Sheriff’s blotter: Water tank, wooden stove damaged on Limekiln Rd.
On June 12, a resident reported vandalism and burglary in the
Hollister courthouse construction to be re-bid after delay
Bond sale delay requires contractors to be pre-qualified
Judge rules to unseal Rodrigues grand jury transcript
A judge today ordered to unseal grand jury testimony that led to
Neighborhood Watch group repairs park
On June 29, the Las Brisas Area Neighborhood Watch group started work to restore Las Brisas Park, according to the Hollister Police Department.
Appeal frees Hollister sex offender
Fidone was ordered to register as a sex offender within five days of his release, but the county’s Megan’s Law website lists him as “In Violation.” His entry on the sex offender registry does not include a current address or any other updated information.
Second fatal in a week on same area of Highway 101
A 61-year-old Watsonville man was killed around 1 a.m. today in
