By: Richard L. Smith
Image by: Daily Voice
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability announced that a former employee of the Department of Children and Families pleaded guilty after falsely presenting herself as a caseworker in a scheme involving illegal payments in exchange for confidential information.
Authorities said Susaida Nazario, 44, of Trenton, pleaded guilty on May 4 before Mercer County Superior Court Judge Peter E. Warshaw to third-degree theft by deception.
According to investigators, Nazario worked as a technical assistant in the Department of Children and Families Information Technology Division in Trenton when she falsely claimed to be a DCF caseworker between January and August 2021.
Officials said Nazario targeted an individual involved in a matter being handled by the Division of Child Protection & Permanency and accepted money in exchange for promising assistance with the case.
Prosecutors said she also offered to improperly disclose confidential, non-public DCF information, which is protected under state law to safeguard children and families.
“As part of public service, employees are entrusted with sensitive information and responsibilities,” Attorney General Davenport said in a statement. “
“Anyone who uses that position for personal gain is not fit to serve the people of New Jersey.”
Under a plea agreement with OPIA, Nazario forfeited all future public employment and is permanently barred from holding any public office or government job in New Jersey. She must also pay restitution.
Prosecutors will recommend probation with a condition that she serve 180 days in county jail. Sentencing is scheduled for July 17, 2026.