How Could You? Hall of Shame-CPS worker Michael Smith 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 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, “a Pennsylvania child welfare caseworker accused of possessing child pornography has waived his hearing on the charges.

Forty-four-year-old Michael Smith of Pleasant Hills was arrested Sept. 1 and charged with possession and dissemination of child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility.

Smith appeared before a district judge in Allegheny County but waived the charges. He remains free on non-monetary bond.

Police in central Pennsylvania started investigating in April after finding that child pornography was being shared by a computer believed to be Smith’s. Police say they found more than 800 explicit images.

Smith is on unpaid leave from the Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth and Families. Officials said the allegations are not connected to his job.

Smith’s formal arraignment in Common Pleas court is scheduled Oct. 27.”

Pennsylvania child welfare caseworker waives hearing on child pornography charges[Daily Journal 9/9/15 by Associated Press]

“An Allegheny County CYF caseworker appeared before a judge today to face felony child porn charges.

According to police, detectives discovered more than 800 images of child pornography on 44-year-old Michael Smith’s home computer. Smith now faces charges of possessing and distributing child pornography.

Today, all of those charges were waived to court.

Smith, of Pleasant Hills, was quiet as he walked from the district judge’s office to the car.

The long time caseworker for CYF is out on bond.

His recent arrest was the result of an undercover child porn investigation.

“There is no allegation whatsoever that he engaged in any conduct whatsoever directly or indirectly with any children that he either worked with, worked for,” attorney Charles LoPresti said.

However, there are allegations that Smith possessed and distributed child porn.

Police said they found hundreds of images on Smith’s computer. According to police paperwork, Smith admitted to looking at those images.

He stated, “It was a mistake, I should not have viewed it on my computer.”

As for distributing the porn, Smith’s attorney said that was never his client’s intention.

“When you download something, then someone else has the ability to download it from you and so they charge distribution, which as you know based on the criminal complaint, they charged in this case. I’m not sure whether that’s a charge that’s going to ultimately be a part of this,” LoPresti said.

Smith started working for CYF in 1996.

“He had direct contact with children and he has received accolades for his work with those children throughout the years,” LoPresti said.

He is now on unpaid suspension.

“There is absolutely no evidence to suggest and none has been brought to my attention that anything about his employment had anything to do with what was going on potentially or allegedly in his personal life,” LoPresti said.

Smith’s next court appearance is scheduled for the end of October.”

CYF Caseworker To Stand Trial On Child Porn Charges [CBS Pittsburgh 9/9/15]

REFORM Puzzle Piece

Update: A search of the public Pennsylvania court records shows that Michael plead guilty to child Pornography on 12/17/15.All other charges were withdrawn.He was sentenced to 5 years in jail.