JACKSONVILLE, Florida. – A Jacksonville woman was arrested and accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old boy she was counseling.

Elizabeth Blanchard was an employee of EPIC Behavioral Healthcare based in St. Augustine.

In late August, law enforcement was notified of an inappropriate relationship between Blanchard and the victim.

Court documents show the 15-year-old victim was supposed to attend group therapy at EPIC. But during a group session, they got into some trouble, so it turned into individual visits.

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The victim said Blanchard began flirting with him and texting and calling him after their first three sessions. This then escalated into kissing and even sex.

The victim told investigators that some of those encounters took place at Blanchard’s office at EPIC as well as at a hotel in St. Johns County.

The search warrant says detectives found surveillance video showing the two arriving and entering a room together.

The warrant also explains that Blanchard would attempt to send money to the 15-year-old, between $5 and $9,000.

Blanchard’s bail was set at $267,000 and she was charged with at least seven felonies.

News4JAX reached out to EPIC for comment on Blanchard’s arrest and sent the following statement:

“EPIC regrets to announce the arrest of a former employee, a Peer Support Specialist, accused of inappropriate behavior while employed at EPIC. The individual, who had been fired before the charges became known, was taken into custody following a thorough investigation by local authorities.

In a statement released by EPIC, EPIC CEO Nangela Pulsfus expressed deep concern over the situation: “We are shocked and dismayed by the actions of our former employee. The behavior in question goes against our company values ​​and standards, and we do not tolerate such conduct in any form. »

The company is fully cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their investigation into this matter. Ms. Pulsfus emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful clinical environment for all clients, as well as a safe working environment for all employees, stating: “The well-being and integrity of our clients and employees are of the utmost importance to us. and we will take all necessary measures to ensure their well-being and safety.”

EPIC is committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in all aspects of its operations.

Teresa Andrews, Director of Development at EPIC

EPIC also shared a list of actions implemented following the allegations:

• Policies regarding engagement of minor customers have been revised and require at least 2 employees to be present for any activity.

• Installation of additional cameras that do not record audio in group rooms and common areas of the outpatient campus.

• Continuation of Level II background check through DCF (former employee had passed a Level II check)

• Development of training programs to help employees respect their limits

• Implementation of pre-employment skills checks

“This is the first time in EPIC’s 50-year history that something like this has happened and it is devastating for us. The safety and well-being of our customers and staff is our top priority and we will continue to review and take all necessary steps to ensure this does not happen again,” Andrews wrote.