Q: Can a Drug Court Counselor who has engaged in romantic relationship with numerous court participants be prosecuted
Drug Court participants were assigned to this female counselor/case manager to supervise participants and provide them with counseling services. She actively pursued romantic and sexual relationships with three (identified) male drug court participants. Counselor also invited female drug court participants to her house and would have alcoholic drinks in front of them. Celebrated one client's completion of the program with shots of tequila. She was terminated, however the participants that were manipulated by this counselor, did not receive adequate services and only hindered their recovery. She is now employed as a counselor at a methadone clinic. Can she be charged criminally to prevent her from taking advantage of any more addicts?
A:
There are a multitude of potential claims that could be explored here, all depending on the employment status of the individual as well as the obligations and duties of the Counselor.
The Damages would be an interesting project, as would be how liability is assigned. The state has a variety of options as well, and it might need to be referred to Statewide or Federal Authorities as it involves a court officer/worker.
Go for it! People need to hear about how abuse of trust and authority occurs outside what people this of as "typical."
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