Ex-adoption agency director must repay theft victims

By TOM BRENNAN and JOSH POLTILOVE

The Tampa Tribune

TAMPA - A former adoption agency director who overcharged adoptive parents must repay about $178,000 to her victims as part of a plea bargain accepted today.

Debra West, 58, pleaded guilty to first-degree grand theft in the scheme.

Hillsborough Circuit Judge William Fuente ordered West to make restitution in two installments: $100,000 by a Jan. 24 court date; and the remainder by her March 22 sentencing.

West could face up to 30 years in prison if she fails to repay her victims.

The agreement also calls for her to serve 15 years of probation, during which time she will be barred from working in the adoption field.

"We believe this is in the best interests of both Debbie and the victims in the case," her husband, Jim, said of the plea deal.

Prosecutors said they anticipate some of the adoptive parents will speak at West's sentencing.

West pleaded guilty to defrauding 20 couples from August 2002 through October 2005 by using her position as director of the Tampa-based Adoption by Choice.

Prosecutors said the couples paid West and her agency for the expenses incurred by the birth mothers. The money was supposed to go toward health care and living arrangements, but prosecutors said the mothers received only token payment if any.

Investigators said several adoptive parents were charged for medical expenses when the birth mothers were covered by Medicaid or private insurance.

According to the Attorney General's Office, when money was given to birth mothers on behalf of adoptive parents, in some cases, West would submit proof of payment to a charity known to reimburse adoption agencies for such expenses.

West created false documents to hide the embezzlement.

The offenses occurred in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Citrus, Sarasota, Marion, Alachua and Brevard counties.

The Department of Children & Families revoked West's license in 2005 and she was arrested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in August 2008.

She had been free on a $100,000 bond secured by the Wests' New Port Richey home. But Fuente agreed to release her without bail pending sentencing after West's attorney said the couple will have to sell their home to pay for the restitution.

Jim West said his wife was involved in more than 1,000 adoptions without incident.

"Her record will speak for itself ultimately," he said.