ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — WFTV learned more about a state child abuse investigator Monday, who deputies caught buying cocaine at an Orange County motel. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is in the process of firing Susan Cunningham and WFTV was able to examine her personnel file.
Cunningham, 39, is responsible for investigating child abuse, but Orange County deputies said they caught her with 15 grams of cocaine on Saturday night after leaving the Arrow Motel on Orange Blossom Trail.
Officials said drug dealers or users looking for a hefty supply, normally buy that much. The value is estimated at $400, but it can be sold for much more when it's mixed with other drugs.
"How can you go and investigate cases, and you're the one doing wrong. It's an oxymoron. Doesn't make sense," said parent Cassandra Bowden.
Cunningham refused to let deputies search her car when they pulled her over, but police dogs could smell the drugs. Deputies said they found a plastic bag sticking out of the arm rest, and when they opened it up, they found the bag of cocaine.
"Was there ever any indication that she had been using or selling drugs?" asked WFTV reporter Daralene Jones.
"No," said DCF spokesperson Carrie Hoeppner.
Cunningham has worked with several social service agencies, even foster children. Last year, her performance evaluation was less than satisfactory, and she voluntarily took a demotion from her supervisor position.
Records show she was last drug tested three years ago. DCF officials said that's the state standard, even for employees who work with children.
But employees know it happens during a three-month period, every three years.
"In a sensitive position like that, I would say they need to be drug tested more often than every six months," said parent Jim Gomez.
DCF officials said Cunningham will get any paid leave time she has saved up from the agency when she's fired.