How Could You? Hall of Shame-Samuel A. Evans

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 Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Foster Father Samuel A. Evans,52, “who also works with Pine Bluff Schools — is behind bars tonight.”

“52-year-old Samuel Evans appeared in court today and a judge set his bond at $25,000.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Evans is still sitting in a jail cell as they continue to sort out what led up to this crime.

Major Lafayette Woods said, “We actually investigate these things very seriously.”

Major Woods says Evans raped a teen boy last week.

His mother called State Police after it happened and deputies arrested Evans on Thursday.

Woods said, “So, when you’re seeing things like this, it’s very heartbreaking.”

Major Woods says Evans was a foster parent and he also worked — in the Transportation Department — at Pine Bluff City School District for 18 years.

Woods said, “And their job is to provide those essential elements to a child, not to abuse them in any physical or mental way.”

While the Department of Human Services couldn’t comment on the case, Director of Communications Amy Webb explained the process of becoming a foster parent, calling it rigorous.

Webb said, “So we want to make sure people who are foster parents are capable of taking care of children and providing them everything they need.”

After a foster parent application is filled out, there are state and federal criminal background checks.

Then, there’s 30 hours of training, also interviews and home checks.

It’s a process that could take six months or longer, unfortunately it’s not always enough.

Webb said, “When that happens we want to make sure we respond swiftly and make sure no other kids get into that home.”

Major Woods says it’s possible there are other victims out there.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department they’re waiting on DNA evidence as they continue the investigation.

There’s no word on when Evans’ next court appearance will be.”

Pine Bluff Foster Father Accused of Raping A Teen Boy[Arkansas Matters 6/20/14 by Melissa Schroeder]

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