How Could You? Hall of Shame-Caleb and Jill Haverdink

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 Sioux City, Iowa, Foster father and Sioux county deputy Sheriff Caleb and his wife Jill “face criminal charges for allegedly failing to stop, and report, sexual abuse committed by a child in their care.”

“Thursday, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation filed seven counts of Neglect of a Dependent Person, two counts of Mandatory Reporter Violations, and one count of False Report to Law Enforcement against Caleb and Jill Haverdink, of Maurice.

According to the complaint and affidavits, DCI investigators believe the Haverdinks had prior knowledge of a child in their care committing numerous acts of sexual abuse and sexualized acts against other children. DCI claims the Haverdinks took no meaningful action to stop the alleged abuse or protect the children under their care.

After DCI finished its criminal investigation, the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office did an internal investigation, which found Deputy Caleb Haverdink’s conduct was contrary to the mission of the sheriff’s office. Haverdink was fired on February 14th.

The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office released a statement which said “The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office wants to assure the public that their officers are held to the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. The charges are deeply troubling and contrary to the values of the Sheriff’s Office. Any time an officer exhibits any level of misconduct, it will be dealt with swiftly. As such, Haverdink’s employment was terminated based solely upon his off-duty conduct which was contrary to established policies and that which brought reproach upon himself and our agency. This isolated incident is not representative of the dedicated men and women who serve with the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office with honor and integrity every day. It is disappointing when someone from within law enforcement conducts themselves in a manner which brings reproach upon our agency and inhibits their own ability to serve the community.””

Sioux County, IA foster parents face neglect charges after DCI investigation
[KTIV 2/22/24]

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