Daycare worker allegedly forces boy into 'criss-cross applesauce,' breaking shinbone and ankle

A North Carolina day care employee has been charged with a felony after allegedly twisting a boy's leg into a "criss-cross applesauce" position, resulting in a broken shinbone and ankle, according to police reports.

Ashley Taris, a 24-year-old from Raleigh, was detained last week for negligent child abuse causing significant injury after reportedly breaking a child’s leg at a KinderCare facility in August 2025, as indicated by court documents.

A warrant for Taris' arrest details that when questioned, the child claimed "while under the care of Ms. Ashley Taris at the KinderCare Day Care Center … Ms. Taris, his instructor, injured his leg while positioning him into 'criss-cross applesauce'."

The warrant notes that "this movement allegedly led to a fracture" in his shinbone and ankle.

Taris initially faced a misdemeanor charge for child abuse before it was upgraded to a felony. She was given a citation, but this was later escalated to a more serious charge.

A KinderCare representative told The News & Observer last Wednesday, the day Taris was arrested, that she had been dismissed from the organisation and hadn’t been involved with the center since her release in the autumn.

"She has not been employed at our center since October of 2025," the representative stated. "When this unfortunate event took place last summer, we adhered to our safety guidelines and promptly informed both the child's family and the relevant authorities."

The spokesperson relayed to the Observer that KinderCare allowed Taris to remain employed under a safety directive after consulting with "state officials," but was advised to terminate her employment in October, leading to her being placed on administrative leave, as per the representative.

The state's court records reflect that Taris initiated legal action against the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Child Development and Early Education in January following her "disqualification from providing child care" in November 2025 due to her criminal background.

"The plaintiff contests DCDEE's determination to disqualify her," the legal complaint states.

Taris attended a court session on Thursday, where her defense attorney mentioned she is currently employed as a "housekeeper," as reported by local CBS affiliate WNCN. "She holds a job and has extensive family support," the lawyer said in court.

Prosecutors recounted the victim's statement that he was seated "as instructed" when Taris allegedly "yanked his leg" and forced him into a "criss-cross" sitting posture.

The child informed investigators that he "instantly felt burning pain and was unable to walk," as reported by WNCN.

Online jail records indicate that Taris is held without bail in Wake County. She is scheduled for a court appearance on April 30 for a disposition hearing and could face a sentence of up to seven years and four months imprisonment if found guilty.