Maria Cupo can only be found "supported" by DSS in their last ditch attempt to provide support for Investigator Lazu OCCS August 6, 2002 inaccurate report. Ms Laura Brody DSS supervisor filed and supported an additional 51A intake number 2347501on 09/20/02 at 2:16pm, against Ms Cupo, again repeating the same claims that Maria was found "unsupported" on 06/25/02. The filing and supporting of a non-emergency 51A on the same day is in direct violation of MGL section 119 51B. This 51A was filed more than three months after the initial investigation.
After 4 months of investigation the only offense that Ms Cupo could be held liable for was the 51A filed and supported on 09/20/02. The conclusion to the investigation is dated 09/13/02 seven (7) days before the 51A was filed. (See actual 51A below).
Ms Cupo seeks an immediate reversal of these "Supported" finding as allowed to her by law. No investigation of the 51A could have occurred, and Ms Cupo was allotted not time to provided evidence to prove herself innocent again. Nor does the DSS report indicate any investigation after 09/20/02.
We would also question the delay in filing of the 51A by Ms Brody, it is logical to believe that a four month delay, to be more of a delay than less than Twenty- four hours (24) in which time Ms Cupo attempted to gather the needed information to file the 51A. Mr. Garcia had been removed from the center and no threat to any Piccolo child was present. The Original child !XXXX !XXXX, returned to Piccolo per request of his father, the next day per assurance by Leominster Police Detective Aubuchon that Piccolo was safe.
Ms Cupo was also "supported " for charges against !XXXX !XXXX for whom she was already cleared of in Intake Id 2338198 and no new charge for this child against Maria are located in any records. It is clearly obvious a continual production of false material occurred until finally a 51A was supported.
Intake name: unknown
Maria Cupo for @XXXX @XXXXX (Same Child as 06/10/01)
reported Date: 09/20/02 02:16pm
screener: Laura Brody
DOCUMENT SPECIFIC INFORMATION REGARDING THE REPORTED ALLEGATIONS: (51A report)
A mandated reporter form received by this reporter named @X Xxxxxxx as a reported child of neglect by the Day Care Director Maria Cupo, because her interference in a sexual abuse investigation may have placed him at further risk.
Allegations of neglect of #xxxx Xxxxx and @xxxxx xxxxxxxx by Daycare Director, Maria Cupo are supported for the following reasons:
Dated: conclusion 09/13/02 Prior to the 51A being filed
1. Despite her role as a mandated reporter, Mr. Cupo failed to report allegations of sexual abuse within a reasonable time period after receiving the information.
2. Parents contacted darning the investigation describe a pattern of misrepresentation on Mr. Cupo part. Ms #xxx and Ms @xxxxxxx have reported to DSS and/or OCCS that Ms Cupo misled them to believe that allegations of sexual abuse by Mr. Garcia were exaggerated and their children were not at risk.
3. Collateral with police as well as with parents indicate that Mr. Cupo repeatedly advised parents to re-question their children, rather than providing support and the appropriate DSS referrals.
Through these deliberate actions, Ms Cupo directly impeded and interfered in the protection of those children under her care, placing them at further risk.
Approver:
Laura D. Brody Supervisor 09/20/02
Scott Schoiefield Area program Manager 09/27/02
Report faxed to Attorney Richard Connolly on October 8, 2002
see charges from first investigation clearing Maria on June 26, 2002
Intake name: Piccolo Mondo DC Leo/ Maria Cupo (3)
!XXX XXXXX NEGLECT
@XXXXX XXXXX NEGLECT
#XXX XXXXX NEGLECT
reported Date: 06/10/02 09:15 Am
screener: Gary A. Trant
DOCUMENT SPECIFIC INFORMATION REGARDING THE REPORTED ALLEGATIONS: (51A report)
Mandated reporter is alleging neglect of three children !xxx xxxx, @XXX xXXX, and #XXXX XXXXX by the owner of the Piccolo Mondo Daycare, Maria Cupo
Mandated reporter is concerned with ms. Cupo 's handling of recent allegations of sexual abuse by an employee of her Daycare. Mrs. !XXX the parent of one of the victims informed the reporter that Ms Cupo called he in regards the allegations made by her son. Mrs. !XXX's son was alleging sexual assault by Frank Garcia, a Daycare employee. Ms Cupo requested that Mrs. !XXXX and her son come to a meeting at the school with Mr. Garcia (the alleged perpetrator) and Ms Cupo to discuss the situation.
Ms Cupo then called the reporter and informed R that the allegations were "not True". Ms Cupo further invited XXXXX XXXXX to come to her daycare to interview her other employees who would tell XXXXX that the allegations were not true and the victim was lying. Ms Cupo questioned the child's reliability.
Ms Cupo spoke with the parents of anther victim an let them to believe that the allegations being made against Mr. Garcia wee not true and that the original complaint was made due to 'past family problem" of the victim.
Ms. #XXXX, the mother of another victim, was extremely upset due to the fact that she was lead to believe the first victim was lying. the reporter asked her how she go t that impression and she said that Mr. Michael Cupo, husband of the owner, appeared very supportive of Mr. Garcia. Ms #XXXX was extremely angered at the response of the Daycare owners, given the circumstance known to her now.
The reporter questioned Ms Cupo ability to keep the children safe due to inability to recognize the risk presented by Mr. Garcia.
Supervisor Comment: Although at times defensive Ms Cupo was generally cooperative with the investigation. There is no information to suggest that the Daycare Director was neglectful as the Director had no knowledge of her staff's behavior.
Approver:
Scott Schoiefied Area Program manager Date: 07/01/02
Laura D Brody Supervisor 06/26/02