N.D. day care center owners neglected children, conducted illicit drug distribution activity in front of them

FARGO, N.D. (TCN) -- The owners of an in-home day care center have been convicted on charges of child neglect and drug possession, according to authorities.

According to the Fargo Police Department, the investigation into Cara and Joshua Aus, both 43, began in April 2024 after one of the infants they cared for at Cara’s Cozy Heart Daycare was brought to the emergency room with a fractured arm. Once medical professionals determined that the injury had not been caused accidentally, detectives partnered with child services and a state childcare licensing organization to further investigate.

Investigators learned that over the course of several years, many unreported injuries, including broken bones, occurred at the day care center, per police. In addition, examination of text messages between Cara and Joshua Aus corroborated their belief that abuse was happening on the premises.

As the investigation proceeded, it was discovered that the couple engaged in drug activity during operating hours, putting children at risk. KFGO reports that investigators were contacted by a man who lived with the Aus couple and their 17-year-old daughter for nine months; he alleged that the family smoked marijuana in front of the children in their care and that they weighed drugs in front of the child and sold drugs out of the home.

A search warrant executed at the home discovered cocaine, marijuana, prescription pills, and hallucinogens, according to KFGO. Court documents obtained by Valley News Live state that the drug sales occurred from November 2022 to May 2024 and that in that time frame, 13 children attended the home day care at the residence.

According to an online description of the center shared by Valley News Live, Cara’s Cozy Heart Daycare described itself as a place where “[e]very child we serve is cared for as if he or she was our own. Our home-based programs offer a secure and stimulating environment where we love to learn! Committed to providing a high- quality early education, our experienced staff work with each child to meet and exceed his or her individual potential.”

Both Joshua and Cara Aus were charged, according to police. Joshua Aus pleaded guilty to child neglect and two counts of drug possession. He was sentenced to 360 days in jail with all but one day suspended, followed by two years of probation.

Cara Aus pleaded guilty to drug charges and as part of her agreement, the child neglect charges were dismissed. On July 13, she was sentenced to five years in prison. She will serve 18 months and the remainder of the prison sentence is to be suspended and after her release, two years of probation will follow.

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