Daycare Operator Pleads Guilty in Child Endangerment and Involuntary Manslaughter Case

Roxanne Helus, owner and operator of a licensed residential daycare facility in Manteca, pleaded guilty on June 8, 2026, to felony child abuse/endangerment, involuntary manslaughter, and misdemeanor driving under the influence. The convictions stem from the death of a five-month-old child and the endangerment of multiple children entrusted to her care while operating the daycare facility.

Helus pleaded guilty to:

• Felony Child Abuse/Endangerment (Penal Code § 273a(a)) involving six children under her care. She faces the upper term of six years in state prison.

• Felony Involuntary Manslaughter (Penal Code § 192(b)) for the death of five-month-old John C.O. Doe. She received a concurrent low-term sentence of two years.

• Misdemeanor Driving Under the Influence (Vehicle Code § 23152(b)), with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.29%, more than three times the legal limit. She received a concurrent sentence of 180 days.

The total agreed-upon sentence is six years in state prison.

As part of her plea, Helus admitted the aggravating factor that she took advantage of a position of trust and confidence in committing the offenses. As a licensed daycare provider, she was entrusted by parents with the care and safety of their children and owed a legal duty to protect them and obtain immediate medical assistance when necessary.

According to the investigation, on October 22, 2025, Helus was caring for six children at her licensed daycare facility in Manteca. Evidence showed that she began consuming alcohol at approximately 4:00 a.m. and later drove two children to school while under the influence. Her blood alcohol concentration was later determined to be 0.29%.

That morning, Helus ordered more than $100 worth of alcoholic beverages for delivery to the daycare. Around 11:30 a.m., she took five-month-old John C.O. Doe into a travel trailer located on the property. The trailer was not an authorized part of the licensed daycare facility and children were prohibited from being there. While inside the trailer, Helus continued drinking alcohol while caring for the infant.

During that time, John C.O. Doe experienced a medical emergency. Due to Helus' extreme intoxication and failure to comply with her legal responsibilities as a daycare provider, the child did not receive the immediate emergency medical care he required. The infant ultimately died from an anoxic brain injury. Investigators determined that every minute of delay in obtaining emergency assistance negatively impacted the child's chances of survival.

The investigation further revealed that Helus' conduct created a substantial risk of death or great bodily injury to every child entrusted to her care. Her actions demonstrated a conscious disregard for the safety and welfare of the children she was legally obligated to protect.

The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office extends its gratitude to the Manteca Police Department, including Detective Dave Poel, Detective Garret Morrison, Detective Matthew Phillips, Detective Russ Smith, and Community Service Officer Sierra Espinosa, for their thorough investigation and dedication to seeking justice in this case. The Office also recognizes Deputy District Attorney Morgan Hendley for her diligent prosecution and commitment to achieving accountability on behalf of the victims and their families.

"Parents place immense trust in childcare providers to protect their children. When that trust is violated through reckless and criminal conduct, especially when it results in the death of a child, our office will pursue accountability," said District Attorney Ron Freitas.

Judgment and sentencing are scheduled for July 17, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Dept M1.