Adoption Worker Charged with Defrauding Parents in Tampa

The former director of a Tampa-based adoption agency was charged with first-degree grand theft for using deceptive means to overcharge adoptive parents.

In October, Debra West of Adoption by Choice, pleaded guilty as part of a plea bargain. The judge said that if West paid $178,000 in restitution to her victims, she would not have to serve up to 30 years in prison. Recently, she made the last payment of $81,000, after which she was sentenced to 15 years of probation. She also has to pay $4,000 within the next month to cover the cost of her prosecution.

Prosecutors say West defrauded 20 couples from August 2002 until October 2005. West would charge adoptive parents to help cover the cost of the birth parents' expenses, but later admitted to embezzling the money instead of directing it to the intended recipients.

The Hillsborough County judge handling the case said West is barred from directly or indirectly working in child placement, but she can provide counseling or advice to birth mothers considering adoption.

Contact a Jacksonville Adoption Lawyer

Whether you are interested in bringing a child into your life, or you've made the selfless decision to give your child up for adoption, you can find trusted legal counsel at Ellerin Hutchison. Adoption is a major life decision that requires a great deal of thought and planning. At our firm, you can trust your case will be handled by a Jacksonville family law attorney who will do everything necessary to ensure your legal rights are protected, as well as help you avoid unethical situations like the one involving West. Our goal is to help you achieve your objective, whether that means expanding your family by bringing a child into your home or helping you find a loving home to place your child in.

Contact Ellerin Hutchinson today at (904) 638-3134 to learn more about our adoption services.