Judge Scolds DCF Over Missing 5-Year-Old

Judge Cindy Lederman unloaded on attorneys representing the Department of Children and Families today after that agency lost a 5-year-old girl who was supposed to be in their care.

Little Riyla Wilson (pictured, right and below right) is still missing more than a year after she was lost. At today's hearing, Lederman called DCF's actions in the matter deplorable and reprehensible."As you would expect I have a lot of questions," Lederman (pictured, left) said, before going on to ask attorneys just where the little girl is."We do not know where this child is. She is missing," said a DCF attorney.

Geralyn Graham, Wilson's caretaker, surrendered the child to someone who identified themselves as a DCF worker in late 2000 or early 2001. The caseworker assigned to Wilson is accused of falsifying paperwork for more than a month after the 5-year-old's disappearance, claiming she personally visited the girl when she didn't, DCF administrators have said."In terms of the caseworkers who have some involvement in this deplorable situation, what action has been taken in regard to them?" Lederman asked"Those individuals are no longer employees of the department," said an attorney."Great," responded Lederman.

The judge went through at least six court appearances in the last year where Rilya's case was discussed, and noted that the caseworker was often absent, and when she did appear, often lied."I don't even know how to respond to what's been done in this case by the caseworker, but she also defrauded the court," Lederman said.The judge also addressed the case of Riyla's little sister, Rodricka, 3, who was removed from Graham's care last week without telling the judge."Why, after everything that has happened in this case, after I have been kept in the dark about the status and well-being and placement of this child for one year, why would you think I would allow the department to remove this child's sibling without my consent? Why would you even think that? And why would you even try and what is the department hiding?" Lederman demanded.Attorneys for DCF denied they are hiding anything.

The lawyers were ordered to show up for another hearing this afternoon at 1:30 to answer questions about why they took Rodricka. DCF attorneys did say that Rodricka was removed from the Graham home because she was at risk."I am ordering you to file a detention petition in this case and if you wish to appeal me that's fine. The reason I am doing that is because it is absolutely despicable what has happened in this case and that I, who have the ultimate responsibility for this child, cannot perform my duties because I didn't even know the child was missing," Lederman said.Gov. Jeb Bush has now appointed a four-member panel of child advocates to look into DCF. They will turn in a final report next month.

Precious DoeDNA testing is underway in Kansas City to determine if the beheaded body of a young girl is Rilya Wilson.A sample from Rilya's mother will be used for the test. Results are expected in about a week.In Kansas City they have dubbed the unidentified body as "Precious Coe" and feelings for that child are so strong some think her remains should stay in Kansas City even if there is a positive ID. In fact two community activists claim they would consider suing to keep the remains there. Previous Stories:

• May 6, 2002: DCF Heads To Court Today In Case Of Missing 5-Year-Old
• May 3, 2002: Case Of Missing 5-Year-Old Becomes Homicide Investigation
• May 2, 2002: State Launches Criminal Investigation Into Missing Girl's Case
• May 2, 2002: Missing Girl's Mother, Grandmother Speak Out
• May 2, 2002: Grandmother Of Missing Child Talks
• May 1, 2002: Decapitated Child Probably Not Missing Miami Girl
• May 1, 2002: Missing 5-Year-Old: Police Examine Body Found In Kansas City
• April 30, 2002: 5-Year-Old Girl Missing One Year Now