A 24-year-old day care worker in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been charged with felony child abuse after allegedly breaking a boy's shinbone and ankle by forcing him into a 'criss-cross applesauce' position. Ashley Taris was arrested last week for the August 2025 incident at a KinderCare center. She remains in custody without bond.
Ashley Taris, 24, of Raleigh, was arrested on a felony charge of negligent child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury, according to court records and a police warrant. The incident occurred in August 2025 at a KinderCare day care center, where the boy told investigators that Taris, his teacher, injured his leg while placing him in the 'criss-cross applesauce' position. This action resulted in fractures to his shinbone and ankle, the warrant states. Prosecutors recounted that the child was sitting properly when Taris pulled his leg, forcing it into position; he immediately felt a burning sensation and could not walk afterward. Taris initially faced a misdemeanor charge, which was upgraded to a felony. She received a citation before her arrest last week. A KinderCare spokesperson stated that Taris has not worked at the center since October 2025. 'When this incident occurred last summer we followed our safety protocols and immediately notified both the child's family and the appropriate agencies,' the spokesperson said. The company allowed her to continue under a safety plan following guidance from state officials but removed her in October at their direction. Taris filed a lawsuit in January against North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Child Development and Early Education after her disqualification from child care in November 2025. Her attorney told the court on Thursday that she now works as a housekeeper with strong family support. Taris is held without bond in Wake County jail and faces up to seven years and four months in prison if convicted. Her next court appearance is scheduled for April 30.
