How Could You? Hall of Shame-Jennifer Watson UPDATED

By on 8-22-2014 in Abuse in foster care, How could you? Hall of Shame, Jennifer Watson, West VIrginia

How Could You? Hall of Shame-Jennifer Watson 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 Morgantown, West Virginia, 40-year-old Foster parent Jennifer Watson, “was charged with sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, or custodian on Tuesday night. Charges were filed after the victim came forward and told investigators about what happened.

Watson apparently admitted to having the sexual relationship, but said it happened after the victim turned 18-years-old.”
“A woman in Morgantown could be facing 20 years in prison for allegedly having a sexual relationship with an underage foster child.”

[WDTV 8/21/14 by Jerrod Pelletier]

REFORM Puzzle Piece

Homestudy2

Update:“A woman convicted of having a relationship with a teen under her foster care will be placed on home confinement.

Monongalia County Circuit Court Judge Phillip Gaujot sentenced Jennifer Watson on Wednesday, March 16.

Gaujot said that he knew the details of the case because he presided over the initial parental abuse case. Several siblings were removed from a home because of abuse. They were placed in Watson’s care, and eventually she adopted two of the children.

However, she had a sexual relationship with one of the kids that started when he was 15 years old.

The defense asked for alternative sentencing and noted that Watson has no criminal history, strong family support and lacks substance abuse issues. A review by the probation office also found that she had a low risk of being a repeat offender based on testing – but, only because the nature of her crime, she was officially labeled as a high-risk repeat offender.

Watson said she took full responsibility for her actions and regretted them.

“It is my sincere hope that someday I can be forgiven,” Watson said. ‘I offer my deepest apologies to everyone affected.”

Gaujot sentenced her to total of six years and 90 days in prison, but he suspended it for a year of home confinement and 100 hours of community service. He also ordered that Watson face probation supervision for a minimum of 10 years.”

Woman in relationship with teen sentenced [The DPost 3/17/16 by Alex Lang]

One Comment

  1. I warned DHHR almost 4 years ago that this is what was going on. Did they listen? No! Did the J & D Court listen? No! Why? I did not have positive proof. I’ve been a mother, grandmother and survivor of childhood sexual abuse long enough to KNOW the signs! Hopefully, next time they will listen when someone is trying to tell them a child(ren) are in even worse danger than the original situation.

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