EXCLUSIVE: State Employees Arrested for Confidentiality Breach

Two employees, and one former employee, of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services were arrested Thursday, accused of breaching the confidentiality of the statewide child abuse and maltreatment register, a spokeswoman for the State Inspector General said.

James Plante, 46, of Troy, resigned when the investigation began. The 23-year state employee is accused of copying a teenage girl's child abuse hotline file and giving it to an acquaintance. That person, Richard Williams, of Schenectady, is now charged with stalking her.

Megan Flom-Corkrey, 48, of Nassau, a 23-year state employee, and Yvonne Lawson, 53, of Menands, a nine-year state employee, are accused of accessing the database to gather information about people with whom they are engaged in personal disputes. Both women have been placed on administrative leave, pending court action.

All three people are charged with felony computer trespass and misdemeanor official misconduct. Flom-Corkery and Lawson are also charged with a misdemeanor social service violation.

OCFS employees have access to the database, but they may only view cases to which they are assigned.

The confidential state child abuse hotline is 1-800-342-3720.