How Could You? Hall of Shame-Peter Crane UPDATED

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From North Port, Florida, DCF investigator Peter Crane,44,  has been arrested for molestation of two 5 year old girls.

FOX says ” He is charged with sexual assault and two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior.

Crane has been a child protective investigator with the Florida Department of Children and Families for five years.”

“Crane is said to be a friend of the family.

Investigators say last week, the victims’ mother was giving the girls a bath when they told her about the alleged sexual misconduct.  She immediately took them to the hospital, where staff there in turn called police.

Crane was arrested a short time later.

“Our detectives did their job, they did it well, and I’ll sleep better knowing that those kids are safe now,” said North Port Police Chief Kevin Vespia.

According to investigators, one of the victims said the misconduct happened at Crane’s home while the girls played games on his Galaxy Tablet.

DCF released a statement that read in part: “These allegations, if true, betray the trust and confidence that all Floridians have in our Department’s employees.”

The statement went on to say: “We have removed Mr. Crane from all work duties during the investigation and will pursue the appropriate personnel actions.”

People we spoke with who know Crane say it’s hard to believe he could be responsible for such a heinous act.  Others say this just serves as a reminder that you can never take anything for granted these days.

“You just can’t watch your children closely enough. It’s just scary. The world is getting worse,” said neighbor Anna Jean Patrick.

DCF says Crane, like all their employees, went through a strict background check. and that showed no previous arrests.

They say they also checked their records to ensure he had never been the subject of a child abuse investigation.

Here is the full statement from the Department of Children and Families:

“These allegations, if true, betray the trust and confidence that all Floridians have in our Department’s employees. The alleged actions in no way reflect the diligent professionalism of the hundreds of dedicated investigators who work each day to protect this state’s most vulnerable children.

We are working closely with law enforcement and will continue to do so during the course of the criminal investigation. Whatever the result of the investigation, the lives of families and children have been deeply affected and our thoughts and prayers are with them.

“We have removed Mr. Crane from all work duties during the investigation and will pursue the appropriate personnel actions. While our preliminary review has shown Mr. Crane successfully passed a criminal background check prior to his employment and no previous disciplinary actions or investigations related to his work with the Department, we are reviewing his cases to ensure the safety and well-being of children and families involved.””

NBCsays “”Like any government entity of any government official, any body who works with children in that capacity it is shocking,” said Captain Anthony Sirianni of the North Port Police Department. ” ”

“We met with both girls individually and got a similar story from both about what occurred and the type of sexual abuse,” said Sirianni.

We won’t go into the details of the abuse, but it was enough for police to arrest Crane last Friday.

Arrest records say one girl told investigators this has happened more than once.

“He has been interviewed by our detectives and currently has denied the allegations,” said Sirianni.”

“His next door neighbor says he’s a nice guy who is always spending time with his three sons.”

Sources:

DCF investigator charged with molesting girls

[Fox Tampa Bay 8/13/12 by Anthony Miller]

Young girls claim DCF employee molested them

[ABC 7 8/15/12]

Young girls claim DCF employee molested them

[NBC -2 8/15/12]

REFORM Puzzle Piece

 

Update: A search of Florida Court records finds that he pleaded guilty to “SEX OFFENSE AGAINST CHILD FONDLING-MOLEST VIC LESS 12YOA OFFENDER 18 YOA OR OLDER (800.04(5b))  ” and Nolle Prosequi on “SEX ASSLT-BY OVER 18 YOA SEX BATTERY VICTIM UNDER 12 YOA (794.011(2a))  ” He was placed on lifetime probation!