DCF counselor suspended after Tampa girl’s death

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A Department of Children and Families counselor has been suspended for screening an abuse hotline call.

The alert was about Phoebe Jonchuck’s safety just days before police say her father dropped her off a Tampa-area bridge.

The counselor told investigators she screened out the call because she was unable to verify 25-year-old John Jonchuck’s address.

Another call in the weeks leading up to Phoebe’s death was also ignored.

Jonchuck faces a first degree murder charge.

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