Ohio Daycare Worker Sentenced to 8-12 Years for Abusing Toddlers with Tape

An Ohio daycare worker accused of terrorizing toddlers, including binding a 2-year-old with tape and leaving the child face down under a blanket, received a sentence of eight to 12 years in prison.

Katelyn Ann Strohacker worked at Over the Rainbow Children’s Center in Licking County. She entered a no-contest plea and was convicted on 31 counts, including kidnapping and child endangerment. Court records obtained by Fox News Digital confirmed the sentence.

The case started in August 2025 when a parent reported concerns about a toddler's treatment.

Court documents state Strohacker used painter’s tape to bind the child on multiple occasions. In one case, she left the child restrained until a coworker stepped in.

Investigators reviewed surveillance video and discovered the abuse extended beyond that incident. Video captured Strohacker pushing, kicking and yanking at least eight children over several weeks. Prosecutors said she once shut a child’s finger in a cabinet door on July 11, 2025.

"The defendant frequently shoved or yanked [the child], including one incident on July 11, 2025, where the defendant purposely shut the victim's finger in a cabinet door," court documents noted.

Several children developed night terrors, separation anxiety and behavioral problems.

Strohacker had worked at the daycare for more than three years and completed all required training and continuing education.

At Friday’s sentencing, parents described the ongoing trauma. One mother said she hopes Strohacker is "never allowed to be alone with children ever again."

"May God have mercy on your soul, but I can't — because we pray he doesn't," the mother added.

Another parent said of her 2-year-old daughter, "She’s been trapped in a cycle of sleep aggression and night terrors."

Strohacker faced up to 87 to 92.5 years in prison but stayed mostly silent in court, answering only the judge’s questions. Her attorney apologized briefly to the victims’ families.

The Licking County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital.