Documents: Former Hillcrest Academy employee engaged in sex act with teen

At least 18 juveniles were removed from Hillcrest Academy last month because a now-former employee at the residential program for at-risk youth was being investigated in connection with a sex crime involving a teen resident, according to newly filed court documents.

On Tuesday, a Hamilton County grand jury indicted the former employee, Francine Thomas, on one count of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Program officials said Thomas was fired immediately after they learned about the allegations. Thomas, 49, is accused of engaging in a sex act with the teen sometime between February and mid-March.

Hamilton County Juvenile Court had placed 12 juveniles at Hillcrest, and emergency hearings were held the last weekend in April to move them out of the program. In addition, Hamilton County Job and Family Services relocated six juveniles it had placed there. The program had housed 50.

Thomas did not have an attorney listed in court records Wednesday.

Officials say Thomas worked for Rite of Passage, which contracts to run the Hillcrest residential program. Juvenile Court is terminating its contract with Rite of Passage.

Hillcrest Academy was licensed in 2012 by the state, according to its website. It serves boys between the ages of 12 and 18 who have a history of delinquent behaviors, mild mental health issues and special education needs.

It houses residents from across the country.