An Oregon man, who drugged the smoothies of three of his daughter's friends with sedatives during a sleepover last year, pleaded guilty on Monday to several crimes and was convicted to two years in prison, according to court records and attorneys involved in the case.
Oregon Father Pleads Guilty to Multiple Crimes, Receives 2-Year Sentence
Michael Meyden, 57, from Lake Oswego, admitted to three counts of causing someone to ingest a controlled substance in Clackamas County Circuit Court, as confirmed by prosecutors and one of Meyden's attorneys, Jeff Turnoy.
Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth stated on Tuesday that Meyden deserved prison time. He stated that Meyden's actions are both indecent and reckless, which is why he should receive a punishment that fits the crime.
Wentworth emphasized the immense impact of Meyden's actions on the child victims, as well as their families and community.
Turnoy mentioned that Meyden could potentially have five months reduced from his sentence for good behavior. The sentence was part of a plea deal with prosecutors, which included the dismissal of three additional felonies and three misdemeanor charges, authorities reported.
Meyden will also have three years of post-prison supervision, and the dropped charges will not extend his sentence, prosecutors added.
Meyden's victims and their families attended the court hearing on Monday, with Turnoy noting that his client expressed deep remorse. Turnoy expressed that Meyer is profoundly remorseful and humble regarding his actions and decisions, acknowledging the harm they caused. His behavior in court was characterized by a genuine and honest apology.
Court documents and a probable cause affidavit reveal that Meyden drugged three of his daughter's friends during their sleepover on August 25, 2023.
Hospitalization was necessary for the girls, who were all 12 years old when they tested positive for benzodiazepine, a medication that is commonly used to treat anxiety and includes names like Valium, Klonopin, or Xanax. According to the affidavit, Benzodiazepines are known to induce relaxation, fatigue, and a relaxed state.
Turnoy revealed that Meyden's daughter also tested positive for the drug, but Meyden was not charged with drugging her.
Oregon Man Sedated Daughter's Friends During Sleepover
Though the affidavit did not clarify Meyden's motive for spiking the smoothies, Meyden explained in court this week, according to Turnoy, that he wanted the girls to sleep and not sneak out of the house, so they could participate in the family's planned activities the next day.
On the night of the sleepover, Meyden showed active involvement in the girls' activities. He wilingly took them to get their nails done and picked up pizza for dinner. The girls had spent most of their time in the basement during their "spa night."
Before bedtime, Meyden made smoothies for the four girls, serving them in milkshake-style glasses with specific colored reusable straws to differentiate their drinks, insisting they drink from their cups, the affidavit said.
One girl drank two cups, another drank one, while the third barely consumed any. It was unclear how much Meyden's daughter drank, but one girl told police it seemed to be a significant amount, the affidavit reported.
One girl who drank two smoothies described feeling woozy, hot, and clumsy, eventually blacking out and slipping into a deep sleep unlike any she had experienced before, the affidavit stated.
Meyden was reported to have come downstairs several times by the third girl, who admitted to not consuming much of the smoothie. She recalled sleeping close to one of her friends and said that Meyden came and tried to separate them by moving her arm. After Meyden went back upstairs, the third girl, fearing for her friend who was sleeping heavily, pulled close to her again, the affidavit said.
Meyden returned a second time, again attempting to separate the girls and putting his finger under the nose of the girl pretending to sleep, according to the affidavit. The girl frantically contacted her parents and friends, asking to be picked up.
"Mom, please come and pick me up. I don't feel safe." As per the affidavit, she expressed that she might not reply, but would appreciate if someone to come and take her. She pleaded, "Please pick it up. Please. PLEASE!!".
A family friend was reached by her and she was taken to her home. According to the affidavit, Meyden's home was eventually reached by two parents who came to retrieve the other two girls.
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