Caseworker faces extortion charges
Clearfield CYS staffer accused of taking money from clients
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CLEARFIELD -- A former Clearfield County Family, Youth and Family Services caseworker faces extortion charges for allegedly taking money from the families she was supervising.
Crystal Rebecca Miller, 39, of DuBois is alleged to have extorted money and attempted to extort other financial benefits from her clients when she was working in her official capacity as a caseworker for Clearfield County CYS, according to Clearfield County District Attorney Ryan Sayers.
The families under her supervision believed they would not retain custody of their children or would have their children taken away if they did not give Miller the requested funds or financial benefits, Sayers stated in a news release.
"The duty and responsibility of a CYS caseworker is to ensure the safety of children in Clearfield County," Sayers said. "However, Ms. Miller abused this position of power by requesting money and asking for co-signers on loans from the families that she was supervising."
The Clearfield County Commissioners said in a statement that when they became aware of the allegations, the case was referred to the district attorney and CYS leadership was directed to conduct an internal review of policies and procedures.
"We are shocked and saddened by this situation," the commissioners said.
The investigation found no evidence that any other county employees were involved in the incidents, the commissioners said.
Miller is no longer an employee of the county, the commissioners said, adding they will continue to
evaluate procedures and that the safety and security of Clearfield County children will always be their No. 1 priority.
Miller faces two misdemeanor charges each of official oppression - arrest search etc. and official oppression - deny rights, and single misdemeanor charges of theft extortion and criminal attempt theft extortion.
She is awaiting a preliminary hearing, according to online court documents.
Anyone with information about this case should contact the Clearfield-based Pennsylvania State Police at 814-857-3800.