Krystal Scurry
--Aiken County, South Carolina
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THE CHARGES
The charges against foster mother Clarissa Bell Bates included:
- Assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.
- Medical neglect. Bates failed to get medical attention between May of 1990 through November of 1990 for the child after a doctor's referral.
- Medical neglect, between February 1991 to November 1991, Bates provided false information to medical personnel.
- Physical neglect. From February 1990 to November 1991 Bates failed to provide nutrition. During Krystal's 20-month stay at the foster home, her weight fluctuated, according to physicians. Shortly before her death, she weighed only 23 pounds 3 ounces.
Cassie Scott Wilson
Position: Supervised the caseworkers in charge of Krystal Scurry.
- Unlawful neglect
- 23 counts of embezzling funds set aside for 13 foster children. The Agency charged that Wilson gained illegal access to over $9000, spending nearly $6,000 "for her own use."
Together with Blount, removed Krystal and Debarge from their home.
Position: Supervisor of the child protective services unit at the time of Krystal's death.
- Unlawfully exerting DSS control over Krystal and her half-brother Debarge.
- Ill treatment and unlawful neglect of a child
- Failure to perform her duties under the state child care codes
- Illegally accepting money from Krystal's father under the pretense of providing for the children's medical care.
- Using her office for personal gain and receipt of additional compensation
- Falsifying the case records that led to the removal of the two children from their home.
Together with Chambliss removed Krystal and Debarge from their home.
Position: Supervised the Aiken County treatment unit.
- Charged along with Chambliss with unlawfully taking possession of the children by coercing their parents to voluntarily place the children into DSS custody.
- Charged along with Chambliss with accepting $50 illegally from Krystal's father. The two had allegedly obtained the money under the pretense of paying for the children's medical care and converted it to their personal use.
- Charged with Chambliss with falsifying the case records that led to the removal of Krystal from her home. The two had written reports claiming that it was snowing and below freezing, and that Krystal's home was without heat. The weather was actually warm that day.
Position: Former director of foster care
- Ill treatment and unlawful neglect of a child
- Failure to report child abuse