#WTF Connecticut DCFS Social Worker Helps Mom Wanted for Trafficking Escape with 4-Year-Old Girl!
We have to admit, we're always trying to look for the good in people and every situation but, we know when to say when.
It looks like one Connecticut social worker looked for the good in someone and it cost her dearly!
WTHN reports that the woman, an employee of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families has been arrested for helping a child sex trafficker avoid police.
Hartford Police have charged Melisa Roberson, a social worker at DCF, with hindering prosecution and risk of injury to a minor.
According to police, on Friday they were notified a person wanted on child sex trafficking related offenses was at DCF on Hamilton St. When officers arrived DCF staff refused to allow them into the building and Roberson, the suspect’s social worker, snuck the woman and her 4-year old child out of the building through a rear exit and drove them to another location.
Police say the suspect was allowed only supervised visits at DCF and that Roberson was aware the suspect’s parental rights had been removed due to the investigation of suspected child sexual abuse and trafficking.
After some negotiating with authorities, Roberson, and the other woman, reportedly turned themselves in. The child was safely returned to her foster family. The other woman's identity isn't being released in order to protect the child.
DCF has released the following statement:
“Immediately upon learning of the allegations leading to the arrest of a DCF Social Worker, senior Department leaders worked cooperatively with the Hartford Police to respond swiftly to this matter.
Our administration is built upon trust – with the children and families we serve, community partners and members of the public – with whom we engage on a daily basis. We remain committed to holding ourselves accountable in transparent manner and a Human Resources investigation has commenced.
Due to the pending criminal charges and internal investigation, we are unable to comment further at this time.”
– Commissioner Vannessa Dorantes
Connecticut police have said that, although all parties are in custody, the investigation is ongoing. We have no idea what could have prompted Roberson to do something so bazaar but, we hope she'll learn her lesson.
