Nine NJ Caseworkers Fired in Abuse Case

New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevy has promised a full investigation into the state's latest child abuse case. A Collingswood couple has been charged with allegedly starving four of their adoptive children.

Camden County prosecutor Vincent Sarubbi said that, while most of the children did have pre-existing medical conditions when Vanessa, 48, and Raymond, 50, Jackson (pictured, left) adopted them; those conditions could not have caused this type of growth retardation and malnourishment.

The Jacksons are being held on four counts of aggravated assault and 14 counts of child endangerment. Officials said that over the past five years, they systematically tortured their four adopted sons, ages 19, 14, 10 and 9, by nearly starving them.

The investigation began three weeks ago when neighbor Michael Byrd called police after finding Bruce, 19, digging through his trash can, searching for food. Byrd thought Bruce was about 10 years old.

"His teeth were completely rotted out. You could see the bones on his face when he talked," Byrd said.

Byrd said he gave Bruce a TastyKake, which he said the teenager "inhaled," not even stopping to chew.

Prosecutors said Bruce weighed only 45 pounds when Byrd found him and that the three other adopted sons were also severely underweight and malnourished.

Authorities said the boys were locked out of the kitchen and fed a diet of uncooked pancake batter, peanut butter and jelly and cereal. The boys told investigators that they also gnawed on wallboard and insulation.

Also in the house were three young girls -- two adopted girls and one whose adoption was pending. All the girls appeared to be in good health. The Jacksons' biological son and daughter, both in their 20s, also lived in the home.

All of the children are in foster care, except for Bruce, who remains hospitalized. Authorities said that all of the boys have gained about 7 pounds over the past 2 weeks since they have been under medical care.

Division Of Youth And Family Services Under Microscope

Social workers from the state Division of Youth and Family Services visited the home at least 38 times, state officials said.

McGreevey's child advocate -- appointed earlier this year after a fatal child abuse case in Newark -- will investigate and subpoena workers if needed, he said.

The investigation will focus on actions by DYFS managers who should have been aware of the conditions, McGreevey said. Eight workers have been suspended and more suspensions will follow, he said.

The lead caseworker resigned after prosecutors filed charges against the parents and nine other caseworkers have already been fired.

"People who made bad decisions will be held accountable," McGreevey said.

Friends, Family Didn't Observe Abuse

The children's uncle said the abuse charges are groundless.

"(The children had) some type of either a drug addiction or some alcohol issue, eating disorders. They're taken care of. It is the result of the disease that they had. It (had) nothing to do with being neglected," said William Jackson

According to investigators, the children were home-schooled and that was why teachers and students didn't notice their medical conditions.

But the family did attend church regularly and the church's pastor said he never noticed anything wrong.

"All I can tell you is, I'm shocked," said the Rev. Dr. Harry Thomas.

Thomas said the Jackson family has been part of his congregation for the past 15 years.

"All I'm saying is the Jacksons that are being portrayed are not the Jacksons that 350 people in our church know and love," Thomas said.

Thomas said he never saw any indication the boys were hungry.

"We have picnics, snacks during Sunday School. They didn't act like they were starving," Thomas remarked.

A fund has been established for the boys. If you would like to contribute, send a check to :

Collingswood Cares For Its Children c/o First Colonial National Bank Attn: Gerard Banmiller 1040 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

Copyright 2003 by NBC 10. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Author: NBC10