The Bitter Scoop: North Carolina Grandfather Accused of Drugging Grandchildren’s Ice Cream

Wilmington, North Carolina, August 29, 2025 – Authorities in North Carolina have arrested a 63-year-old man accused of putting prescription drugs into Dairy Queen Blizzards before giving them to his teenage grandchildren.

The Wilmington Police Department identified the suspect as Alan L. Cutler, who was taken into custody on August 25. Cutler faces three counts of misdemeanor child abuse and three counts of felony distribution of a controlled substance to a person under 16.

Incident Details

Police said the incident occurred on August 18 when Cutler took his grandchildren, ages 13, 15, and 16, to a local Dairy Queen. Investigators allege that he added alprazolam—a benzodiazepine commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders—to the children’s ice cream.

Alprazolam, best known under the brand name Xanax, works by depressing activity in the central nervous system. While prescribed in specific doses for adults, it can cause drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, slowed breathing, and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness or overdose, particularly in children who are more sensitive to its effects.

After eating the ice cream, the teens reportedly experienced unusual symptoms. Their parents contacted law enforcement, and police began an investigation.

Ongoing Legal Case

During a press conference on August 29, Wilmington Police confirmed that toxicology tests supported evidence of alprazolam ingestion. Cutler is being held at the New Hanover County Detention Center on a $225,000 secured bond.

Cutler is also a former chair of the New Hanover County Board of Elections. Following his arrest, State Auditor Jessica Holmes called for his resignation from the board, citing the seriousness of the charges.

Next Steps

Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive. Police said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may follow depending on further evidence.

The teenagers were treated and are expected to recover. Medical professionals emphasize that accidental or intentional ingestion of benzodiazepines by children requires immediate medical attention because of the risk of respiratory depression and other life-threatening complications.

What is Alprazolam and Why is it Dangerous for Children?

Alprazolam is a medication in the benzodiazepine class, used to manage anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and insomnia. It acts on the brain by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that slows down nerve activity.

• In adults, alprazolam is generally safe when prescribed and monitored by a physician.

• In children and adolescents, the drug can cause more severe effects because their nervous systems are still developing and more vulnerable to sedatives.

Risks of alprazolam ingestion in minors include:

• Extreme drowsiness and confusion

• Slurred speech and poor coordination

• Slowed breathing and decreased heart rate

• Dependence and withdrawal symptoms if repeatedly exposed

Accidental ingestion should be treated as a medical emergency, requiring immediate hospital care to prevent respiratory depression and potential coma.

Reference:

1. National Library of Medicine. “Alprazolam.” MedlinePlus, updated March 15, 2024. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684001.html.

(Rh/Eth/MSM)