Prosecutors say dad drugged babies with melatonin before leaving them in car

In Brief:

• Father accused of leaving twin babies in car allegedly gave them melatonin
• Father was released from custody on Wednesday, on the condition he cannot have contact with the children
• Records show the mother had lost custody of the children
• CYFD said it will complete the investigation in this case, and the children remain with a family member

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Prosecutors said a man accused of leaving twin baby boys in a hot car for more than two hours outside Dirty Bourbon told police he had given them melatonin.

During a hearing on Wednesday, prosecutors asked a judge to hold Stephan Natseway in jail pending trial after police arrested him on child abuse charges.

Police said a security guard found the babies inside the closed vehicle early Sunday morning, more than two hours after Natseway entered the bar.

Prosecutors told the judge they believe Natseway gave the twins melatonin based on comments he made while sitting in the back of an Albuquerque Police Department vehicle.

The defense argued the case is frivolous and said Natseway should be released because he is not a danger to the community and has no criminal history.

The defense called it “a boneheaded decision” and argued the evidence shows poor judgment, adding that Natseway needs parenting classes.

Judge Britt Baca released Natseway with one condition: He may not have contact with the boys.

Questions regarding the mother

The state also argued the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department gave Natseway multiple referrals for medical appointments for one of the boys and that he did not take the child to those appointments.

Prosecutors said the appointments stemmed from a previous case involving the boys’ mother, who lost custody of the children.

CYFD responds

KOB 4 reached out to CYFD earlier this week. The department said the federal Indian Child Welfare Act applies to the case, meaning CYFD must notify the appropriate tribe or pueblo before completing its investigation.

“The hospital examined the children and discharged them after evaluation. Because the Indian Child Welfare Act applies here, CYFD notified the appropriate tribe or pueblo, which initially exercised jurisdiction to complete the investigation. The children were released to a family member, and tribal social services completed a home visit to ensure safety. After 4:00 PM today, the tribe notified the department that they would not be keeping jurisdiction, so CYFD will complete the investigation. CYFD was notified that the children remain with the family member. “ – Jake Thompson, Communications Director, Office of the Secretary.

KOB 4 also reached out to CYFD regarding several claims prosecutors made in court, they sent us the following statement.

“CYFD previously provided limited information regarding this matter. Upon further review of the confidentiality requirements applicable to this case under the Indian Family Protection Act, CYFD cannot provide additional case specific information regarding the children, their placement, safety planning, services, or the current status of the Department’s involvement.“

Second suspect involved

Orry Morris, Natseway’s friend who was with him at the time, is expected in court Thursday, when a judge will decide whether he will remain in jail pending trial.