Shocking Allegations at St. Charles Childcare Center
A childcare worker in St. Charles, Illinois, has been charged after authorities say she administered chewable laxatives to several very young children at a local daycare facility. Officials were alerted on the morning of February 3, 2026, when multiple parents reported concerning symptoms in their children — all of whom were two years old or younger — and suspected something was amiss. Police launched an investigation that confirmed several children had been given laxatives without parental consent.
Teacher Identified, Arrested, and Charged
The St. Charles Police Department identified the suspect as 23-year-old Yizel J. Juarez, who worked at the daycare center on West Main Street. Juarez was taken into custody after turning herself in to police. She now faces multiple misdemeanor charges including attempted aggravated battery causing bodily harm to a minor under 13 and endangering a child’s life or health in connection with the incident. Law enforcement reports indicate three children were victims in the alleged episode.
Juarez was processed, given a court date, and released from custody as the investigation continues. Police are urging anyone with further information to come forward.
Parents Alarmed, Investigation Ongoing
Parents say they were stunned and distressed by the news, as what was supposed to be a normal day at daycare quickly became a frightening situation. Authorities continue examining how the laxatives were distributed and are looking into any failures in supervision or daycare protocols. The facility’s response and policies regarding administering substances to children are now under scrutiny.
