TRENTON – A Trenton woman who worked in information technology for the state’s child welfare agency has been charged with accepting payments to provide confidential information and assistance on active cases. Susaida Nazario, 44, was charged on March 25 with accepting unlawful benefits as a publ ic servant, theft by deception, two counts of official misconduct, and pattern of official misconduct. “This case underscores our commitment to ensuring there is accountability when public employees violate their duty and the public’s trust,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “As alleged, this defendant used her position and access to DCF records in order to obtain and divulge confidential information for her own financial benefit.” According to investigators, Nazario was employed as a technical assistant for the Department of Children and Families IT Division from January 2021 through October 2023. She allegedly received over $800 from one individual with a case being handled by the Division of Child Protection & Permanency in exchange for confidential information. Investigators say Nazario misrepresented herself as a caseworker and created fictitious identities, including a non-existent coworker, to communicate with the individual. “As alleged, the defendant took advantage of her access to confidential information for personal profit,” said Drew Skinner, Executive Director of the Office of Public Integrity & Accountability. “Anyone who seeks to illegally profit from their State job should know they will be held to account.” Authorities also allege Nazario provided confidential case information to a second individual after expressing romantic interest and promising to help secure a favorable resolution. The second-degree charges carry potential sentences of 5 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000, while the third-degree charge carries 3 to 5 years and fines up to $15,000. ...read more read less