In a tragic turn of events, a monitor appointed by the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services is facing accusations of child abuse that resulted in the death of a baby. The monitor, Secret Daniel, was responsible for supervising visits between a troubled mother, Jessica Darthard, and her 17-month-old son, Justin Bulley, who tragically overdosed on fentanyl in February 2024 while under her watch.
The Child Abuse Allegations and Legal Action
The baby’s grandfather, Jessie Darthard, had smoked fentanyl next to Justin before falling asleep, leading to the fatal overdose. As a result, Jessica Darthard and her father are facing murder charges, while Secret Daniel is charged with child abuse in connection to Justin’s death. The situation highlights a disturbing lack of oversight and due diligence on the part of the county child welfare agency, as Daniel’s troubled history and close relationship with Darthard were overlooked.
The Times conducted an investigation that revealed Daniel’s close ties to Darthard and her history of living in a home plagued by drug use. Despite these red flags, Daniel was approved as a monitor, raising serious concerns about the safety and well-being of the children under her supervision. The family of Daniel’s three daughters, who endured abuse at her hands, is preparing to file a $75-million lawsuit against the county.
Julie Fileto, the paternal grandmother of Daniel’s daughters, shared harrowing details of the abuse her granddaughters endured, including physical scars, bruises, and neglect. The children were malnourished and traumatized when Fileto gained custody of them, underscoring the severe impact of Daniel’s actions on her own family. Despite the challenges they faced, the children have shown resilience and are slowly recovering in a safe environment.
Expert Insights and Legal Ramifications
Attorney Brian Claypool, representing Daniel’s three children, emphasized the gravity of the situation, likening it to adding fuel to a fire. Claypool, who has worked on similar cases involving child abuse, highlighted the systemic failures that allowed Daniel to be placed in a position of authority over vulnerable children. He also represents Montise Bulley, Justin’s father, in a separate $65-million lawsuit against the county, seeking justice for his son’s tragic death.
Prosecutors have charged Jessica Darthard with felony child abuse and child molestation, along with her father, in addition to the murder charges. Daniel herself is facing felony child abuse charges, shedding light on the extent of the abuse and neglect that occurred under her watch. These disturbing allegations raise questions about the oversight and decision-making processes within the DCFS.
Moving Forward and Seeking Accountability
In response to the tragedy, DCFS expressed hope for healing and emphasized the need for all parties involved to find closure and support. The department’s policies on supervised visits lack specific guidelines regarding monitors’ living arrangements and conflicts of interest, underscoring the need for clearer standards and accountability. Claypool stressed the importance of recognizing the warning signs and red flags that were overlooked in this case to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The claim against Daniel paints a grim picture of neglect, abuse, and exploitation that affected not only her own children but also the children under her supervision. The allegations of drug use, neglect, and harmful behavior underscore the urgent need for improved safeguards and oversight in child welfare systems. As the legal proceedings unfold, the hope is that justice will be served, and lessons will be learned to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
