MIDWEST CITY, OKLA. – A former Oklahoma Human Services (DHS) employee has been arrested on charges of kidnapping and falsifying documents following a shocking incident involving a child’s custody.
The incident, which has caused alarm among local residents and lawmakers alike, began on January 30 when Xander Faison, a former DHS worker, arrived at a Midwest City home claiming to be an official DHS employee. Faison presented what appeared to be emergency custody paperwork and informed the child’s parent that the child would need to be handed over immediately. Faison threatened to call the police if the child was not released.
Believing the documents to be legitimate, the parent allowed Faison to take the child, under the impression that the child would be transferred to a relative in Shawnee who was a DHS-approved foster parent. However, as investigations unfolded, authorities discovered that Faison did not follow through with the plan. Instead, she took the child to her own home in Oklahoma City.
On February 2, police apprehended Faison at her residence, where she was taken into custody. According to an affidavit, Faison, who had been employed in a support role at DHS, was not authorized for fieldwork. DHS employees revealed that Faison had access to sensitive child welfare databases through various devices, including her personal laptop and cellphone. The documents used by Faison to take the child into custody were determined to be falsified.
In a statement, Oklahoma DHS expressed concern over the violation of protocol, calling Faison’s actions “absolutely shameful.” The agency confirmed that upon learning of the incident, Faison’s employment was terminated, and the department has launched an internal investigation. DHS also emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children across the state.
Former Oklahoma State Senator Anastasia Pittman expressed her horror at the situation, calling for more rigorous oversight of the agency. “This is just a testament to the oversight that’s needed for DHS,” she said. “We want to prevent these failures from happening again.”
The parent of the child involved, Teresa Teran, voiced her concerns, noting the frightening possibility of someone exploiting the system to take a child without proper authorization. “It’s scary to think that somebody could just print off credentials, walk up to your door, and take your kids,” she said.
Faison’s motives, according to police, stemmed from a November 2024 conversation with someone who allegedly requested her help in taking the child from the mother. Faison admitted to using her DHS knowledge to create the fake documents and to the belief that the child was being removed from the home because the mother no longer wanted her.
Oklahoma DHS Director Jeffrey Cartmell condemned the incident, reinforcing that the agency has zero tolerance for such misconduct. “The safety and wellbeing of Oklahoma’s children is our highest priority, and we will act swiftly and decisively to uphold that commitment,” Cartmell stated.
The case has prompted renewed calls for a grand jury investigation into the agency’s oversight and practices. Lawmakers and the public are demanding greater accountability, particularly regarding the handling of child custody matters by DHS employees.
Faison remains in custody at the Oklahoma County Jail, facing serious charges as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s abduction.
This disturbing event highlights a significant lapse in the child welfare system, drawing attention to the need for stronger safeguards to prevent future abuse and ensure the safety of Oklahoma’s children.
