Daycare Worker Accused of Administering Laxatives to Toddlers, Allegedly Posing as Candy
A disturbing case has emerged from St. Charles, Illinois, where a 23-year-old daycare worker is facing serious criminal charges for allegedly giving chewable laxatives to toddlers under her care. Yizel J. Juarez, of Sycamore, is accused of deceptively presenting the medication as sweets, leading to several young children falling ill and leaving their parents distressed as they sought explanations for their children’s unexplained health issues over several weeks.
The St. Charles Police Department has charged Juarez with three counts of attempted aggravated battery causing bodily harm to a victim under 13 and three counts of endangering the life or health of a child. The alleged incidents are reported to have taken place at a daycare facility located on West Main Street in St. Charles, involving children aged two and younger.
The investigation was initiated on February 3, 2026, following reports from multiple parents who claimed their children had been administered chewable laxatives by a teacher at the daycare. A subsequent investigation confirmed these allegations and identified three young victims, all of whom were two years of age or younger. Juarez, an employee at the daycare, was identified as the primary suspect. She later surrendered to authorities, was processed, and released pending further court proceedings.
Parents’ Agony: Months of Unexplained Illnesses
The revelations have left parents deeply shaken, particularly those who spent months struggling to understand their children’s deteriorating health. One mother, who chose to remain anonymous during a media interview, shared the profound anguish of witnessing her toddler suffer without any clear cause.
“My child is still suffering from constipation, which the doctor said it was going to be a side effect of the laxatives, of coming off of laxatives,” she recounted, highlighting the lingering physical impact on her child. Her 17-month-old had been attending the daycare since the summer of 2025, around the same time Juarez reportedly began her employment there.
For an extended period, the family grappled with persistent stomach issues, initially suspecting a viral infection. However, medical tests for infections came back negative, and changes to the child’s milk formula offered no relief. Both parents and medical professionals were baffled by the child’s ongoing symptoms.
“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 mother revealed, expressing her disgust and disbelief. “It’s disgusting. Get another job.”
Emotional Toll and Call for Information
Another parent echoed the profound emotional distress caused by the incident. “I have no words. It’s just thinking that your kid is going to be safe, and the daycare and you come and find surprises like this. It’s sad. It’s devastating,” they stated, conveying the betrayal and fear associated with entrusting their child’s care to the facility.
The police investigation reportedly began after parents independently voiced concerns about their children’s unexplained ailments. These shared experiences led them to connect and ultimately contact the authorities. Upon responding, officers confirmed that the incidents had indeed occurred. Following the surfacing of these allegations, the daycare facility terminated Juarez’s employment.
Authorities are now appealing to the public for any additional information that may shed further light on this disturbing case. The incident has raised significant concerns about child safety and supervision within childcare settings, prompting a call for increased vigilance and accountability.
