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Daycare Couple's Drug Ring Exposed by Abuse Probe
21 Jul
Summary
- Couple ran a drug-selling business from their at-home daycare.
- Investigation started after a 2-month-old suffered a broken arm.
- Couple sentenced to prison for child neglect and drug offenses.
A married couple in North Dakota received prison sentences following an investigation that exposed a drug-trafficking operation within their at-home daycare. The inquiry commenced in April 2026 after parents noticed a 2-month-old in their care had sustained a broken arm, which investigators deemed non-accidental.
Further scrutiny revealed the couple had failed to report multiple injuries to authorities, including a broken clavicle and unexplained bruising among children. Evidence from a search warrant on Cara Aus's phone indicated knowledge of the infant's injury and instructions to mislead investigators. Digital evidence also uncovered a narcotics business operating on the premises, often while children were present.
Cara Aus pleaded guilty to conspiracy and drug possession charges, receiving a five-year sentence with 18 months to serve. Joshua Aus pleaded guilty to child neglect and drug possession, sentenced to 360 days in jail with one day to serve. Their daycare license has been suspended.
