A North Dakota husband and wife have been sentenced after authorities uncovered evidence that they were operating an illegal drug distribution business from their home while running a daycare where children were regularly present.
The investigation, which began with a seriously injured infant, eventually led detectives to uncover alleged child abuse, neglect, and drug trafficking activities inside the Fargo residence.
Couple Pleads Guilty to Criminal Charges
According to the Fargo Police Department, Cara Aus, 43, pleaded guilty earlier this month to three felony offenses:
- Conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver cocaine
- Possession of a Schedule II controlled substance
- Possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance
She was sentenced to five years in prison, with 18 months to be served and the remainder of the sentence suspended. After her release, she must complete two years of supervised probation.
Her husband, Joshua Aus, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of child neglect and two counts of drug possession.
He was sentenced to 360 days in jail, with one day to serve and the remainder suspended. He was also ordered to serve 18 months of supervised probation.
Investigation Started After Infant’s Serious Injury
The case began in April 2024, when a 2-month-old infant was taken to a Fargo emergency room with what police described as a significant arm fracture.
Medical professionals determined that the injury was non-accidental, prompting a multi-agency investigation.
Following the initial findings, officials suspended the daycare’s license because of concerns about the children’s safety.
Detectives Found Pattern of Unreported Injuries
As investigators examined the daycare’s history, they uncovered what police described as a troubling pattern involving injuries suffered by children who had attended the facility.
According to the Fargo Police Department, those injuries included:
- A broken clavicle
- Nursemaid’s elbow
- Unexplained bruising
- Other injuries that authorities said were never reported as required by law
Medical specialists also identified additional findings involving the infant that investigators said further supported their conclusion that abuse had occurred.
Investigators Questioned the Couple
During interviews with detectives, Cara and Joshua Aus gave statements explaining how the infant was handled before the injury.
Police said those statements were inconsistent.
Investigators also conducted a forensic review of text messages, which they said contradicted portions of the couple’s accounts.
Witness Reported Drug Sales From the Home
As the investigation continued, a man who had lived with the Aus family for approximately nine months contacted police.
According to investigators, the witness alleged the couple was selling large amounts of illegal drugs from the home while operating the daycare.
The witness also claimed the couple weighed narcotics inside the residence while children were present.
Search Warrants Confirmed Drug Activity
Police said detectives later executed multiple search warrants at the property.
According to investigators, digital evidence, witness statements, and physical evidence confirmed ongoing drug distribution inside the home while the daycare was operating.
Authorities said the evidence showed illegal narcotics activity was taking place in an environment where children were regularly present.
Cara Aus Denied Allegations During Search
According to court documents, Cara Aus insisted that investigators were mistaken when officers searched the residence.
She reportedly told detectives, “I don’t know what you guys think, go ahead look, you guys have this all wrong.”
Despite her denial, investigators said the evidence collected during the search supported the criminal charges.
Another Former Daycare Child Came Forward
Police said that in 2025, another child who had previously attended the daycare reported experiencing physical punishment while under the couple’s care.
Investigators said the allegation provided additional corroboration during the ongoing investigation.
Case Concludes With Plea Agreements
As part of her plea agreement, the child neglect charges originally filed against Cara Aus were dismissed.
Joshua Aus pleaded guilty to child neglect and drug possession charges, resolving the criminal case against him.
The investigation concluded with prison and probation sentences for both defendants after authorities said they uncovered evidence of illegal drug distribution operating from a home daycare where children were present.
