Sources report that police in Illinois are investigating an incident at a day care after several very young children were allegedly given laxatives that they were told was candy.
According to authorities, the issue came to light on the morning of February 3, when multiple parents contacted police with concerns about their children who attend a day care in St. Charles. Parents reported that they believed a teacher at the facility had given their toddlers a chewable laxative without permission or medical need.
Officers responded to the day care and investigated the reports. Police later said they were able to confirm that the incidents had occurred. Each affected child was reportedly two years old or younger.
Parents say the impact on their children has been ongoing. One parent reportedly said her 17-month-old child began experiencing digestive problems after the incident. Doctors initially believed the symptoms could be caused by a virus or diet issues, but medical visits and formula changes did not resolve the problem. The child reportedly continued to suffer from diarrhea and other side effects for weeks.
Parents later learned from the day care’s director that the employee had been fired. The director allegedly stated that the teacher gave the children laxatives and told them it was candy. Sources report the employee may have done this so the children would become sick and be sent home because the teacher felt overwhelmed.
Police said the suspect later turned herself in. She is facing multiple charges, including three misdemeanor counts of attempted aggravated battery causing bodily harm to a victim under the age of 13 and three misdemeanor counts of endangering the life or health of a child. According to reports, she was released from custody.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not released additional details about the case or the number of children affected.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.