Yizel Juarez Charged After Giving Toddlers Laxatives She Allegedly Told Them Was Candy at St. Charles Daycare

Yizel Juarez, a daycare teacher in St. Charles, Illinois, has been arrested and charged after authorities say she gave chewable laxatives to multiple toddlers, allegedly telling them it was candy because she felt stressed, overwhelmed, and wanted the children sent home.

Police identified Juarez, 23, of Sycamore, as an employee at the childcare facility. According to investigators, several parents contacted St. Charles police after learning their children had been given laxatives while in daycare.

Authorities say three children, all aged 2 years old or younger, were identified as victims in the incident. The laxatives reportedly caused bodily harm concerns, prompting a police investigation.

Juarez has been charged 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.

Law enforcement officials say the investigation remains ongoing. No further details have been released about the daycare center’s name or whether additional charges could follow.