Woman sentenced to 90 days in jail after daughter eats mushroom-laced chocolate

Cassie Tauriainen pleaded guilty to drug possession after her 5-year-old daughter and a classmate fell ill.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:27pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken chocolate bar wrapper and scattered crumbs against a pitch-black background, conveying the dangerous consequences of improper storage of controlled substances.A broken chocolate wrapper and scattered crumbs conceptually illustrate the accidental ingestion of hallucinogenic substances by children.Buffalo Today

A 40-year-old woman from Buffalo, Minnesota has been sentenced to 90 days in jail after her 5-year-old daughter and one of her daughter's classmates became sick from eating chocolate bars containing hallucinogenic mushrooms. Cassie Tauriainen pleaded guilty to 5th degree drug possession, and earlier this month she voluntarily transferred legal custody of her daughter to the child's father.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of improperly storing or securing illegal drugs and substances, especially when children are present. It also raises concerns about parental responsibility and the potential consequences for adults when minors access controlled substances.

The details

According to authorities, Tauriainen's 5-year-old daughter and one of her classmates ate the chocolate bars containing hallucinogenic mushrooms. Tauriainen's daughter was taken to the hospital where doctors reported significant signs of impairment from the mushrooms.

  • On April 10, 2026, Cassie Tauriainen was sentenced to 90 days in jail.
  • Earlier in April 2026, Tauriainen voluntarily transferred legal custody of her daughter to the child's father.

The players

Cassie Tauriainen

A 40-year-old woman from Buffalo, Minnesota who pleaded guilty to 5th degree drug possession after her 5-year-old daughter and a classmate ate chocolate bars containing hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Tauriainen's daughter

A 5-year-old girl who ate the chocolate bars containing hallucinogenic mushrooms and was taken to the hospital with significant signs of impairment.

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The takeaway

This case serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of properly securing and storing any illegal or controlled substances, especially in homes with young children present. It also highlights the need for greater education and awareness around the dangers of accidental ingestion of hallucinogenic drugs by minors.