Former Children and Youth Services employee arrested for human trafficking

“It is truly horrible, and beyond imagination, that someone who is responsible for ensuring the welfare of children would pressure their mother into acts of prostitution for her own personal enrichment, and with the promise of a favorable custody recommendation, as this defendant is charged with doing,” Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said in a statement released on January 23rd.

That same day 27 year old Candace Talley was taken into custody and charged with one count each of promoting prostitution, trafficking in individuals- recruiting, enticing or soliciting, trafficking in individuals- financial benefit, coercion or threat official act, corrupt organizations, and official oppression- denying rights or privileges.

"The facts alleged in the criminal complaint describe her role in an extensive prostitution ring as enlisting women to work as prostitutes, driving them to and from jobs, and receiving in excess of twenty-five percent of the proceeds of the illegal activity of the women she recruited. Talley is also accused of promising the victim that she would falsify any drug tests to ensure a favorable recommendation regarding the children's’ placement."

Delaware County Assistant District Attorney Diane Edbril said on Friday that Talley's employment with the Division of Children and Youth Services in Delaware County ended in 2017.

Talley was released from custody on a $25,000 unsecured bond and is being subjected to home monitoring.

Her next court date is not known.