Former Day Care Worker Pleads Guilty to Child Abuse

Chelsea Struss reduced charges from 18 to 3 counts as part of plea deal

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A former day care worker in Sioux Falls, South Dakota has pleaded guilty to three counts of child abuse. Chelsea Struss was originally charged with 18 counts but took a deal to reduce the number down to three. A 10-minute instance of the abuse was caught on camera and shown to the parents, prompting one parent to immediately rush to the day care to pick up their child.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of proper oversight and accountability in day care facilities to protect vulnerable children. The guilty plea and reduced charges raise questions about the justice system's handling of such serious allegations of abuse against minors.

The details

Chelsea Struss, a former employee at a Sioux Falls day care, pleaded guilty to three counts of child abuse. She was originally charged with 18 counts, but took a plea deal to reduce the number. A 10-minute video recording captured Struss abusing children at the facility, which was shown to the parents.

  • On February 10, 2026, Chelsea Struss pleaded guilty to the reduced charges.

The players

Chelsea Struss

A former day care worker in Sioux Falls, South Dakota who pleaded guilty to three counts of child abuse.

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What’s next

Struss could be sentenced to up to five years in prison for the three counts of child abuse she pleaded guilty to.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures in day care facilities to protect vulnerable children from abuse, as well as the importance of swift action by parents and authorities when such incidents are uncovered.