A former employee of the Department of Children and Families pleaded guilty on May 4 to theft by deception after misrepresenting her role as a caseworker in exchange for illegal payments, according to a May 5 announcement from Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.
The case highlights concerns about public trust and the protection of confidential information within state agencies. The Department of Children and Families is responsible for safeguarding sensitive records, especially those related to child welfare cases.
Susaida Nazario, age 44, from Trenton, entered her plea before Criminal Presiding Judge Peter E. Warshaw at Mercer County Superior Court. As part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, Nazario forfeited all public employment and will be permanently barred from holding any future public office or job in New Jersey. She must also pay restitution. Prosecutors have recommended probation with a condition that she serve 180 days in county jail; sentencing is scheduled for July 17.
Nazario was indicted on March 6, 2025 on charges connected to soliciting and accepting illegal payments between January and August 2021 while working as a technical assistant for the department’s Information Technology Division. Investigators found that she falsely claimed to be a DCF caseworker to an individual involved with the Division of Child Protection & Permanency (DCPP), offering assistance with their case—including disclosure of confidential information—in exchange for money.
“The defendant held herself out to be a caseworker for the Department of Children and Families, pretending she could provide case assistance and offering to reveal sensitive, confidential information in exchange for money,” said Attorney General Davenport. “Working in public service is an honor and a privilege. Anyone who uses it as a chance to make ill-gotten side income is not fit to serve the people of New Jersey.”
Deputy Attorneys General Robert J. Serrano and Randolph Mershon prosecuted the matter through OPIA’s Corruption Bureau.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin leads efforts across all counties statewide aimed at protecting residents’ lives and property while upholding legal standards according to the official website. The agency provides law enforcement oversight, crime lab support, victim advocacy services, consumer protection initiatives, legal representation for state entities, regulation enforcement powers under its statutory mandate—functions designed around justice and public safety according to the official website.
