By Guy Page
A 31 year old DCF worker from Swanton was arraigned on sex abuse charges Thursday, September 12 because, police say, she had a two-year sexual relationship with a boy in her custody.
According to the Chittenden Unit for Sexual Investigations, on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, CUSI was referred a case from the Vermont Department for Children & Families (DCF) regarding the alleged sexual abuse of a victim that began when he was a juvenile in DCF custody. The abuse was reportedly perpetrated by a former DCF worker, Sonja Herman, 31, that was working with the victim in a professional capacity.
At the time of the initial report to CUSI last year, Herman was a licensed foster parent currently fostering two children. Detective Peatman was assigned to this investigation along with Family Services Worker Tineka Mitchell from DCF’s Residential Licensing and Special Investigations division.
CUSI developed probable cause that Herman engaged in a sexual relationship with a youth in which she was working with, through her duties as a Family Services Worker with DCF. This sexual relationship spanned over several years, during which time DCF had legal custody of the youth. It is further alleged that Herman supplied the youth with alcohol, and they would also use marijuana together.
On July 31, 2024, Herman’s attorney accepted a citation on behalf of Herman, to appear in Chittenden County Superior Court for charges of Sexual Assault. On Thursday, September 12, 2024, Herman appeared in Chittenden County Superior Court and was arraigned on charges of Sexual Assault.
Herman was released by the Honorable Judge on Pretrial Conditions of Release, including that one that prohibits Herman from supervising and/or providing care for children under the age of 18.