Babysitter Forces 3-Year-Old To Eat Her Own Feces

A babysitter was arrested after forcing a 3-year-old child to eat her own feces. Nicole Candelaria, age 27, is charged with one count of child abuse and domestic violence. Authorities said Candelaria was punishing the toddler because she defecated in the bathtub.

The assault reportedly occurred while the child and her siblings were spending the week with their father in Tempe, Arizona. As the father was working, his girlfriend was tasked with watching the children.

During a bath, the 3-year old had an accident. Candelaria responded by forcibly removing the toddler from the bathtub and slamming her onto the toilet. As the child began to cry, the babysitter restrained her and forced her to eat her own feces. Candelaria then shoved a bar of soap into the little girl’s mouth.

Six days later, the toddler and her siblings were returned to their mother. The little girl eventually confessed the entire incident. The unidentified mother transported her daughter to the hospital and alerted authorities.

As reported by The Denver Channel, doctors confirmed that the toddler suffered bruising to her back, chest, legs, and sides. Although the 3-year-old was forced to eat her own feces, she did not suffer any medical issues as a result.

During a police interview, Candelaria said the bruises were caused by playful fighting. However, authorities determined the bruising was consistent with being forcibly restrained. The babysitter denied forcing the 3-year old to eat feces.

Candelaria said the little girl “lies often” and cannot be trusted. The toddler’s father admitted that he saw the bruising on his daughter’s body and did not believe his girlfriend’s story. However, he did not report the incident to police.

The father confirmed that his girlfriend often cares for his children while he is at work. It is unclear whether this is the first time Candelaria allegedly assaulted the little girl.

As the couple lives in an apartment complex, neighbors report “often hearing Candelaria screaming” and physically abusing her boyfriend.

Candelaria was eventually arrested for felony child abuse and domestic violence. She is currently being held at the Tempe City Jail on $5,400 bond. As reported by AZ Family, the babysitter’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 28. It is unclear whether Candelaria has retained counsel.

Although all three children detailed the abuse, the babysitter denies forcing the 3-year-old to eat her feces. She contends that the child’s story is a fabrication.

[Image via AZ Family]