A day care worker in Illinois is facing multiple criminal charges after authorities say she gave laxatives to several toddlers, allegedly telling the children the medication was candy.
According to CBS Chicago, Yizel Juarez, 23, was charged with three counts of attempted battery causing bodily harm to a victim under the age of 13 and three counts of endangering the life or health of a child.
The investigation began around 9:45 a.m. last Tuesday, when the St. Charles Police Department received multiple calls from concerned parents. Authorities said the parents reported that their children had been given a “chewable laxative” by a teacher at The Learning Experience Day Care in St. Charles.
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Toddlers as Young as Two Allegedly Given Laxatives
Investigators confirmed that the children involved were two years old or younger. Police said Juarez was identified as the suspect and turned herself in after charges were filed.
One parent told CBS Chicago that her child had been experiencing persistent diarrhea for nearly two months, and dietary changes failed to resolve the issue. The parent said answers finally came after the day care’s director contacted families.
“We found out from the director that she had fired her employee because she allegedly was giving them these laxatives and saying that it was candy so that they could get sent home because she was overwhelmed,” the parent explained.
Day Care Responds as Legal Process Moves Forward
The Learning Experience Day Care has not publicly commented beyond confirming the employee’s termination. Authorities have not indicated whether additional staff members are under investigation.
Juarez is expected to appear in court, though an official court date has not yet been released. Police say the investigation remains ongoing, and they continue working with affected families.