Jacksonville woman is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old boy she was caring for

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville woman was arrested and accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old boy she was caring for.

Elizabeth Blanchard was an employee at EPIC Behavioral Healthcare based in St. Augustine.

In late August, law enforcement was informed of an inappropriate relationship between Blanchard and the victim.

Court documents show the 15-year-old victim was allegedly in group counseling at EPIC. But they got into trouble during a group session, so they had to go to individual visits.

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The victim said Blanchard began flirting with him after the first three sessions and began texting and calling. This later escalated to kissing and even sex.

The victim told investigators that some of these encounters took place at Blanchard's office at EPIC as well as at a hotel in St. Johns County.

The search warrant states that investigators found surveillance video that shows the two arriving together and entering a room.

The warrant also states that Blanchard would attempt to send the 15-year-old money ranging from $5 to $9,000.

Blanchard's bond was set at $267,000 and she was charged with at least seven felonies.

News4JAX contacted EPIC for comment on Blanchard's arrest and sent the following statement:

“EPIC regrets to announce the arrest of a former employee, a peer support specialist, who has been charged with inappropriate conduct during his employment at EPIC. The person, who was removed from office before the charges were announced, was taken into custody after a thorough investigation by local authorities.

In a statement released by EPIC, EPIC CEO Nangela Pulsfus expressed deep concern about the situation, stating: “We are shocked and dismayed by the actions of our former employee. The behavior in question violates our company’s values ​​and standards. “We will not tolerate such misconduct in any form.”

The Company is cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities as they continue their investigation into this matter. Ms. Pulsfus emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful clinical environment for all clients, as well as a safe working environment for all employees, stating: “The well-being and integrity of our clients and employees is of the utmost importance to us. and we will take all necessary steps to ensure their well-being and safety.”

EPIC is committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in all aspects of its operations.

Teresa Andrews, Director of Development at EPIC

EPIC also published a list of measures that will be implemented as a result of the allegations:

• Policies for engaging underage customers have been revised and require the presence of at least two employees at all activities.

• Installation of additional cameras that do not record audio from group rooms and common areas on the outpatient campus.

• Continuation of DCF's Level II background check (former employee had passed a Level II background check)

• Develop training programs to support employees with boundaries

• Conducting pre-employment competency screenings

“This is the first time in EPIC’s 50-year history that an incident like this has occurred and it is devastating for us. The safety and well-being of our customers and employees is our top priority and we will continue to assess and take all necessary steps to ensure this does not happen again,” Andrews wrote.