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An Ohio daycare worker has been sentenced to several years in prison for allegedly terrorizing children in her care. This includes accusations of repeatedly binding a 2-year-old with tape and leaving the child face down under a blanket.
Katelyn Ann Strohacker, who worked at Over the Rainbow Children’s Center in Licking County, faced 31 charges, including kidnapping and child endangerment. She received an 8 to 12-year prison sentence after pleading no contest, as reported by Fox News Digital.
The investigation began in August 2025 when a concerned parent reported the mistreatment of their toddler.
This is a view of Over the Rainbow Children’s Center located in Licking County, Ohio. (Google Maps)
Court documents reveal that Strohacker admitted to using painter’s tape to bind the child on multiple occasions. In one case, the child remained restrained until a coworker stepped in to stop the abuse.
Investigators later reviewed surveillance footage and found the abuse was not isolated. Authorities say video showed Strohacker repeatedly abusing at least eight children over several weeks, including pushing, kicking and yanking toddlers.
In one incident, prosecutors say she purposely shut a child’s finger in a cabinet door.
“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,” as noted in court documents.
Officials say the impact on the children was severe. Several victims suffered night terrors, separation anxiety and behavioral issues.
Investigators noted Strohacker had worked at the daycare for more than three years and had received “all necessary training and continuing education.”
During Friday’s sentencing hearing, emotional parents spoke out about the lasting trauma.
One mother said she hopes Strohacker is “never allowed to be alone with children ever again,” according to WSYX.
“May God have mercy on your soul, but I can’t — because we pray he doesn’t,” the mother said.
Another parent described the toll on her young daughter.
“For our daughter, she’s been trapped in a cycle of sleep aggression and night terrors at two years old,” the parent said.
Police sirens are pictured in this undated photo. (iStock)
Strohacker, who was facing a possible 87 to 92.5 years behind bars, remained largely silent in court, responding only to the judge’s questions, according to KENS5.
Her attorney delivered a brief apology to the victims’ families on her behalf.
The Licking County Sheriff’s Office could not immediately be reached by Fox News Digital for comment.