Sentenced: NJ DCF Worker Suggested Relationship Would Help Mother Being Investigated

[Sugar Cookie]

A caseworker for the state Department of Children and Families is accused of groping a woman he was assigned to investigate and sending her a sexually explicit video, according to the state Attorney General’s office.

Gilberto Ortiz Jr., 50, was assigned to investigate a case involving a woman and her young child when he allegedly made sexual advances during home visits last month.

Ortiz, who worked as a bilingual family services specialist, warned the woman that she was involved in a serious case of negligence and suggested he would “help her” if she had a relationship with him, investigators said.

During one visit, he allegedly touched the victim’s breasts and genital area without her consent and pushed her hand against his genitals. He is also accused of texting her explicit photos of himself and a video of himself masturbating.

Ortiz was charged Wednesday with second-degree official misconduct and fourth-degree criminal sexual contact. The charges follow an investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.

He was suspended by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and later resigned from his post.

Employees with the department are prohibited from establishing "improper relationships” with anyone who is being supervised, regulated or investigated by the agency, the Attorney General’s office stated.

Child services caseworker groped mom he was investigating, state says

Gilberto Ortiz Jr. allegedly told the victim he would help with her case if she agreed to a relationship.

www.nj.com

 

[McDanel]

Oh, the joy of being female.

 

[Totemic]

This isn't the first time he has done this. Just the first time that someone has told him no.

 

[Keepalowprofile]

What a pig.

 

[sayitaintso]

Hope more people come forward

 

[rushman]

So much for his promotion

 

[Sejanus]

Vile little predatory scum ball.
Knock that smile off his oily mush.

 

[Sugar Cookie]

This probably happens more than people realize.

His priority was not protecting a child and all his cases should be reviewed to make sure no other child was put in danger.

 

[Symmachus]

Another gross man abusing his power, and doing so against a woman. Sick.

 

[TammyHenson]

Why do sexual predators always feel these movies or pics of genitals will turn a victim on?

 

[Bobbo]

During one visit, he allegedly touched the victim’s breasts and genital area.

I’m sure Dr Gilberto Ortiz Jr will have no problems finding a job at the hospital, what with his concern for the health of the female body regarding breast and vaginal exams.

 

[Sugar Cookie]

On May 26, 2023, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced a former caseworker for the New Jersey Department of Children and Families pleaded guilty after he made unwanted sexual advances toward women and tried intimidating women under investigation or supervision of DCF into engaging in unwanted sexual conduct with him.

Gilberto Ortiz, 53, pleaded guilty on May 16, 2023, to one of the five counts of the indictment against him, second-degree pattern of official misconduct.

Under the plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend a sentence of five years in state prison with no parole eligibility. The plea agreement also includes a forfeiture order banning him for life from holding public office and public employment in New Jersey.

“This defendant deliberately targeted vulnerable women who feared coming forward because of the perceived control he had over their families and children,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “He tried to exploit his position of power and capitalize on the difficult circumstances in their lives. These victims are now seeing a measure of justice after being subjected to this criminal behavior, which was antithetical to this defendant’s role as a public servant.”

“Mr. Ortiz leveraged his official position and used veiled threats to try to compel these victims to submit to his sexual advances,” said Thomas Eicher, Executive Director of the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability. “He engaged in a pattern of predatory and inappropriate behavior. This type of public corruption and abuse of authority is completely unacceptable.”

Gilberto Ortiz, Ex-Case Worker for Dept. of Children and Families, Enters Guilty Plea After Abusing His Authority to Pressure Women Into Unwanted Sexual Conduct

Gilberto Ortiz is scheduled to be sentenced July 14, 2023 in Camden County Superior Court before Judge David M. Ragonese.

www.southjerseyobserver.com

Gilberto Ortiz

Admission Date:	September 8, 2023
Current Facility:	SWSP
Current Max Release Date:	September 7, 2028
Current Parole Eligibility Date:	September 7, 2028

CURRENT PRISON SENTENCE
Offense	Offense Date	Sentence Date	County of Commitment	Commitment Order	Mandatory Minimum Term	Maximum Term
1 count of : 2C:30-7A*2 Pattern Of Official Misconduct	February 11, 2020	September 8, 2023	Camden	22-02-00015-S	5 Years	5 Years