Woman sues social worker, state over relationship

Associated Press

MILWAUKEE - A woman who's suing the state of Wisconsin and a social worker says she worried she would lose her children if she didn't have sex with the man.

Theola Nealy told a federal jury that Peter Nelsen was sent to her Milwaukee home to investigate child maltreatment allegations in 2007. She says Nelsen began visiting her unannounced after telling her that her case would be closed.

Nealy is suing for $15 million, alleging Nelsen was acting in the scope of his state employment when they had a sexual relationship. Nealy gave birth to Nelsen's child in 2008. He retains full custody of the girl and resigned his position in 2009.

The Journal Sentinel (http://bit.ly/1msoWP1 ) reports Assistant Attorney General Monica Burkert Brist told jurors that Nelson was acting outside the scope of his employment as a social worker.