Woman says DHHR caseworker had sex with son

CHARLESTON – A woman is suing over claims her minor son's caseworker had sexual relations with him.

J.W., a minor, by and through H.W., his next friend, filed a lawsuit Dec. 3, 2014, in Kanawha Circuit Court against the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Child Protective Services, Kara Brumley, Meaghan Goffreda, Aleighsha Niccole Evans, Home Base Inc. and John/Jane Doe.

According to the complaint, Brumley was the case worker assigned to 16-year-old J.W.'s case by Child Protective Services under the supervision of defendants Goffreda and Doe, during which time she had sexual relations with J.W., provided him with cigarettes and alcohol, and threatened J.W.'s parents with action by CPS if they did not allow her access to their son. The complaint states Evans, employed by Home Base, failed to report Brumley's behavior and J.W.'s relative's complaints about her. The defendants are accused of negligent/reckless supervision and retention, reckless/outrageous conduct, gross negligence, breach of professional duty, conspiracy and willful/wanton conduct.

H.W. is represented by attorney Paul M. Stroebel of Stroebel & Johnson in Charleston. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Joanna Tabit.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 14-C-2122