A husband and wife in Fargo will serve prison time after pleading guilty to running an illegal drug business from their home daycare. Cara Aus received a five-year sentence with 18 months to serve, while Joshua Aus was sentenced to 360 days in jail with one day to serve.
The couple operated the daycare in Fargo, North Dakota. Cara Aus, 43, pleaded guilty earlier this month to conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver cocaine and two counts of drug possession. Joshua Aus, also 43, pleaded guilty to child neglect and two counts of drug possession.
The case began in April 2024 after a two-month-old infant suffered a non-accidental arm fracture at the facility. Investigators later found a pattern of unreported injuries among children who attended the daycare, including broken bones and unexplained bruising.
A witness who lived with the family alleged the couple sold and weighed drugs with children present. Police confirmed the claims through search warrants, digital evidence, and interviews. Cara Aus denied involvement during the raid, telling investigators they had it wrong.
As part of the plea deal, child neglect charges against Cara Aus were dropped. Both received supervised probation following their sentences.