Father describes pain, anger after daughter's caregiver arrested in connection with her pregnancy

He had remained on staff despite suspicions of his involvement in the pregnancy as far back as January 2015, police and Bridges officials said.More: Sebastian woman was victim of caregiver who fathered child in Brevard County, family saysRobert Blanchard Sr (right), along with his attorney Kevin Smith, of Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath from West Palm Beach, discuss the pain his family has gone through since his daughter, Dawn Blanchard, was impregnated by a caregiver at a Bridges Group Home in Rockledge in 2015. Without sufficient evidence to file charges, the investigation stalled.More: Man accused of hitting, throwing child on ground multiple times in StuartCooke said the question of Shorter's employment was raised after the initial investigation.After consulting with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Cooke said, it was decided that Shorter would be kept on staff because he had not been charged with a crime.Willie Shorter, 58, was arrested after police said he fathered a child with a developmentally disabled woman he helped care for at Bridges in Rockledge. Bridges terminated his employment following the arrest.Cooke said he was positive the nonprofit did everything it could to keep Dawn Blanchard safe."We followed our procedures and immediately contacted authorities, and followed through on all investigations, with regard to the Rockledge Police Department, the (Florida) Department of Children and Families and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities," he said."We've been in Brevard for 62 years serving people with disabilities. It's devastating for the staff who work so hard everyday, working for our clients with significant disabilities."More: Man convicted of molesting 9-year-old Vero Beach child sentenced to 25 years in prisonRockledge Deputy Police Chief Donna Seyferth said the disability of the client, difficulties relating to the pregnancy, the involvement of a child and the slow pace of DNA testing all posed challenges that slowed progress.The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which tested the DNA sample, said testing was completed in July 2018.“FDLE issued a report to Rockledge PD with the results of the DNA test in late July,” spokesperson Angela Starke said.Seyferth said Bridges, the nonprofit's officers and staff, and the woman's family were fully cooperative throughout the investigation.Smith said the Blanchard family is focusing on Dawn's care and recovery.“Our firm will conduct a full investigation of this incident to determine what measures will be taken against Bridges and the long-term care of (Dawn)."  Eric Rogers is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm and FLORIDA TODAY.Contact Rogers at 772-978-2224or eric.rogers@tcpalm.com.Twitter: @EricRogersFTWant more Treasure Coast breaking news coverage?