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Florida woman accused in adoption scam lied to authorities
By BRIAN SKOLOFF Associated Press Writer http://www.bradenton.com/331/story/116160.html WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Florida investigators were stymied in 1999 while investigating child abuse claims against a woman now accused in an adoption scam because New York officials couldn't find any record of her then. Judith Leekin was charged last month with abusing 11 adopted children and using them to line her pockets with $1.26 million in stipends she received to help care for them. But she first came to authorities attention eight years ago. The Florida Department of Children & Families began an investigation into her after receiving tips that she was abusing children she adopted from New York. Florida authorities then contacted the New York City Administration for Children's Services, according to records unsealed by a judge Monday. In a Feb. 22, 1999, letter to the New York agency, a Florida investigator wrote, "I am trying to locate 11 children who are reportedly in her (Leekin's) care at this time." The Florida DCF investigator included in the letter three aliases for Leekin and two Social Security numbers and requested any information about Leekin being a foster parent or having adopted children in New York. The New York agency responded that it had "no active records on Judith in the system," according to the 1999 DCF report. DCF closed the case without finding any evidence of abuse. Florida officials had no immediate comment Tuesday. "We're still looking into all aspects of this investigation," said Sheila Stainback, a spokeswoman for the New York City agency. She declined further comment. Authorities believe Leekin may have been able to fool the New York City system because it wasn't until 1999 that adoption agencies there began requiring fingerprints from prospective parents. The 11 adopted children remained in Leekin's care until her arrest last month. Leekin, 62, of Port St. Lucie, used four aliases over two decades in New York City to adopt the 11 children, police said. She remains held on more than $4 million bail on 10 charges, including child abuse. She is accused of handcuffing the children and tethering them together at night, forcing them to sleep on a floor and soil themselves because they weren't allowed to use the bathroom. She could face up to 190 years in prison if convicted on all 10 counts. Her attorney has filed a not guilty plea. During the 1999 investigation, DCF officials found at least three boys living with Leekin, but found no signs of abuse, the report states. Leekin told investigators the children belonged to a relative who was in Japan. The boys told investigators Leekin treated them well and denied that there were any other kids living in the home. It's not clear if DCF investigators ever saw any of the actual 11 adopted children. According to police, Leekin often threatened the children and hid them when visitors came to the home. The adopted children now range in age from 15 to 27. Ten of the children and adults are now in Florida state care. One is blind and mumbles. Another can barely walk or stand. All have scars on their wrists and ankles from allegedly being tied and handcuffed. None appear to have more than a fourth-grade education. Police were still searching for an 18-year-old man believed to have been among the 11 adopted children. CURRENTLY CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES VIOLATES MORE CIVIL RIGHTS ON A DAILY BASIS THEN ALL OTHER AGENCIES COMBINED INCLUDING THE NSA / CIA WIRETAPPING PROGRAM.... CPS Does not protect children... It is sickening how many children are subject to abuse, neglect and even killed at the hands of Child Protective Services. every parent should read this .pdf from connecticut dcf watch... http://www.connecticutdcfwatch.com/8x11.pdf http://www.connecticutdcfwatch.com Number of Cases per 100,000 children in the US These numbers come from The National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect in Washington. (NCCAN) Recent numbers have increased significantly for CPS *Perpetrators of Maltreatment* Physical Abuse CPS 160, Parents 59 Sexual Abuse CPS 112, Parents 13 Neglect CPS 410, Parents 241 Medical Neglect CPS 14 Parents 12 Fatalities CPS 6.4, Parents 1.5 CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES, HAPPILY DESTROYING HUNDREDS OF INNOCENT FAMILIES YEARLY NATIONWIDE AND COMING TO YOU'RE HOME SOON... BE SURE TO FIND OUT WHERE YOUR CANDIDATES STANDS ON THE ISSUE OF REFORMING OR ABOLISHING CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES ("MAKE YOUR CANDIDATES TAKE A STAND ON THIS ISSUE.") THEN REMEMBER TO VOTE ACCORDINGLY IF THEY ARE "FAMILY UNFRIENDLY" IN THE NEXT ELECTION... |
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