Betraying Public Trust: Former NJ DCF Employee Pleads Guilty in “Fake Caseworker” Scam
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, In a case that strikes at the heart of child welfare protections, a former New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) employee has admitted to a scheme involving fraud, deception, and the attempted sale of confidential information.
Susaida Nazario, 44, of Trenton, pleaded guilty to third-degree theft by deception on May 4, 2026. The plea follows an investigation into her time working as a technical assistant for the DCF’s Information Technology Division—a role she allegedly used to pose as a caseworker for personal gain.
The Scam: Selling “Inside” Access
The investigation, led by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), revealed a disturbing breach of ethics. Between January and August 2021, Nazario targeted an individual involved in a Division of Child Protection & Permanency (DCPP) matter.
According to court records, Nazario:
-
Misrepresented her role: Despite working in IT, she told the victim she was a DCF caseworker.
-
Solicited illegal payments: She accepted money in exchange for “assistance” with a DCPP case.
-
Offered confidential data: She promised to disclose sensitive, non-public information to an individual not legally entitled to see it.
By law, DCF records are strictly confidential to ensure the safety and welfare of children. Nazario’s attempt to weaponize this data for a “side hustle” was a direct violation of that protection.
The Legal Fallout: Jail Time and Permanent Bans
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport made it clear that using public service for private profit will not be tolerated. “Working in public service is an honor and a privilege,” Davenport stated. “Anyone who uses it as a chance to make ill-gotten side income is not fit to serve.”
The terms of the plea agreement include:
-
Forfeiture of Public Employment: Nazario has lost her job and is permanently barred from holding any public office or government position in New Jersey.
-
Jail Time: Prosecutors are recommending a sentence that includes 180 days in county jail.
-
Restitution: Nazario is required to pay back the funds obtained through the scheme.
-
Probation: A term of probation will be determined at her sentencing.
What Happens Next?
Nazario appeared before Criminal Presiding Judge Peter E. Warshaw in Mercer County Superior Court. Her formal sentencing is currently scheduled for July 17, 2026.
This case serves as a stern reminder of the oversight provided by the OPIA Corruption Bureau, which remains focused on rooting out misconduct within state agencies to protect the integrity of New Jersey’s institutions.
Tell your story #TheRidgewoodblog , #Indpendentnews, #information, #advertise, #guestpost, #affiliatemarketing,#NorthJersey, #NJ , #News, #localnews, #bergencounty, #sponsoredpost, #SponsoredContent, #contentplacement , #linkplacement, Email: Onlyonesmallvoice@gmail.com
Tags: #NewJerseyNews #TrentonNJ #PublicIntegrity #DCF #NJLaw #EthicsInGovernment #LegalUpdate
