JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville woman was arrested and accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old boy she was counseling.
Elizabeth Blanchard, 34, was an employee at EPIC Behavioral Healthcare based in St. Augustine.
In late August, law enforcement was notified about an inappropriate relationship between Blanchard and the victim.
Court documents show that the 15-year-old victim was supposed to be in group counseling at EPIC. But, during a group session, they got in some trouble, so that became one-on-one visits.
The victim said Blanchard started flirting with him and started texting and calling after their first three sessions. That later escalated to kissing and even sex.
The victim told investigators that some of those encounters happened at Blanchard’s office at EPIC as well as a hotel in St. Johns County.
The search warrant indicates detectives found surveillance video showing the two arriving and entering a room together.
The warrant also explains that Blanchard would try to send money to the 15-year-old, anywhere from $5 to $9,000. The teen also told detectives Blanchard would give him vape pens and alcohol, and that she set up a CashApp account and would send him money through that and Apple Cash.
Blanchard’s bond was set for $267,000, and she was charged with at least seven felonies.
News4JAX reached out to EPIC for comment on Blanchard’s arrest, and sent the following statement:
“EPIC is saddened to announce the arrest of a former employee, a peer support specialist, on charges of inappropriate behavior while employed at EPIC. The individual, who had been terminated from their position, before the charges were known, was taken into custody following a thorough investigation by local authorities.
In a statement released by EPIC, EPIC CEO, Nangela Pulsfus expressed deep concern over the situation, stating, "We are shocked and dismayed by the actions of our former employee. The behavior in question goes against the values and standards of our company, and we do not tolerate such misconduct in any form."
The company is fully cooperating with law enforcement officials as they continue their investigation into this matter. Mrs. Pulsfus emphasized the importance of upholding a safe and respectful clinical environment for all clients, as well as a safe work environment for all employees, stating, "The well-being and integrity of our clients and employees are of utmost importance to us, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure their wellbeing and security."
EPIC is committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in all aspects of its operations.
Teresa Andrews, Director of Development at EPIC
EPIC also shared a list of actions that are being implemented following the allegations:
- Policies for engaging underaged clients have been revised and require at least 2 employees be present for any activities.
- Installing additional cameras that do not record sound of the group rooms and common areas at the outpatient campus.
- Continuation with Level II background screening through DCF (the former employee had passed a Level II screening)
- Development of training programs to assist employees with boundaries
- Implementation of competency screenings pre-hire
“This is the 1st time in EPIC’s 50-year history that an instance like this has occurred and it is devastating to us. The safety and wellbeing of our clients and staff is our top priority and we will continue to review and take any necessary steps to ensure that this doesn’t happen again,” Andrews wrote.