27-year-old Nicole Candelaria from Arizona was caring for her boyfriend’s daughters when the incident occurred.
Candelaria was bathing the 3-year-old girl, along with her 3-year-old twin and 5-year-old sister.
She became upset when the toddler defecated in the bath, and as punishment forced the child to eat her own excrement.
According to court reports, Candelaria also held the 3-year-old down on the toilet with force.
The young victim was taken to hospital where it was reported that she suffered from bruises to her sides, back, legs and chest.
The child’s siblings also reportedly told police that they watched their father’s girlfriend force-feed their sister her own faeces.
According to court documents, Nicole Candelaria is the primary caregiver and spends most of her time with the children whilst their father is at work.
Following her arrest, Nicole was booked into the local county jail where she awaited to face charges of child abuse and domestic violence.
She has since been bailed out of jail and now awaits her next court date, which has been scheduled for May 23.