This is Robert Raskin and Kathey Raskin, bringing you another story of corruption within the agencies that are charged with protecting children. This time a former Kentucky state social worker has been convicted for filing false child abuse complaints against a former close friend and the pastor of her church. Beth Bond, 40, is a disgrace to her former profession, but the sad fact is there are many more workers just like her who are using their position to wield power and exact revenge instead of to protect children and families from harm.
A History of Corruption
Bond first moved to Hardin County after being transferred by the state after mishandling cases in Grayson County. According to state records, the cabinet had originally intended to fire the shady caseworker, but after Bond appealed they instead chose to transfer her rather than dealing with the fallout from a suspension. Bond was charged with making false allegations against her upstairs neighbors, a young couple with an infant daughter. The couple reported a barrage of police and social worker visits that often took place in the middle of the night and were in response to completely baseless allegations of violence and drug use.
The Truth Comes Out
After making allegations against her former friend Shawna Beauchamp, Bond’s story began to unravel. Despite the fact that there was no proof of Bond’s allegations, Beauchamp’s family was the target of false reports that included the sexual abuse of children. It would be over two years from the first false claims to Bond’s conviction, which was a relief to the family, who were distressed over the damage the claims might do to their reputations. Bond had also made similar claims against a friend’s husband and a pastor at the church she attended, treating her position as an instrument of revenge.
Bond’s Sentence
Beth Bond was convicted after being charged with four counts of misconduct and another four counts of false reporting in Grayson District Court. She has also plead guilty to offenses in Hardin County. She was fined $300 and sentenced to one year in jail. For her previous offense, she received a 12-month suspended sentence, which clearly was not enough to deter her. The shamed caseworker is currently free on bond pending her appeal. Luckily for these families, justice prevailed, but for far too many families who are up against similar situations. We are Robert Raskin and Kathey Raskin, and we are dedicated to putting watchdog groups in place to make sure a system of checks and balances is created to keep workers in line.