A Florida therapist has been accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy whom she was counseling.
Elizabeth Blanchard, 34, faces four counts of sexual battery on a minor and two counts of contributing to delinquency, among other accusations, according to court papers reviewed by PEOPLE.
According to an arrest warrant, Blanchard, who works at EPIC Behavioral Healthcare in St. Augustine, Fla., began one-on-one sessions with the adolescent after seeing him in group counseling.
The arrest warrant claims Blanchard began texting, calling, and flirting with the teen. Authorities say it eventually progressed into sex abuse.
Blanchard allegedly conducted the assault in her office as well as a hotel in St. John’s County, which she booked solely to have sex with the teen, according to the warrant.
The warrant also alleges that Blanchard purchased the adolescent vape pens and alcoholic beverages and transferred him money — up to $9,000 — many times via Cash App.
It is not immediately known whether Blanchard has entered a plea.
According to News4Jax, EPIC announced Blanchard’s termination in a statement.
“We are shocked and dismayed by the actions of our former employee,” EPIC CEO Nangela Pulsfus stated, according to the newspaper. “The behavior in question goes against the values and standards of our company, and we do not tolerate such misconduct in any form.”