State Foster Care Worker Accused Of Sexually Abusing Adopted Son

State Foster Care Worker Accused Of Sexually Abusing Adopted Son

Man Passed DCF Background Check

POSTED: 4:37 pm EST February 8, 2008
UPDATED: 5:28 pm EST February 8, 2008

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- An Orange County man, who works at a state-contracted foster care facility, was arrested on Thursday, accused by authorities of sexually abusing his adopted 17-year-old son.

The man, who Local 6 won't identify in order to protect the identity of the alleged victim, adopted the boy five years ago after meeting him at Devereux Florida, where the man works as a program director.

Devereux Florida provides residential treatement for emotionally troubled foster-care children. The teen, who has his own legal troubles, reported the alleged abuse, which he said began nine months ago, to his probation officer this week, leading to the arrest of the man.

"The abuse started slow with certain sex acts and it progressed to more major crimes," Orange County sheriff's Detective Richard Mankewich said.

The man passed a Department of Children and Families background check prior to being hired by Devereux Florida. Authorities said they do not suspect there are any other abuse victims in the case. An investigation is ongoing.