TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A federal lawsuit alleges that a caseworker for a Kansas foster care and family preservation contractor sexually harassed and coerced a mother seeking to regain custody of her children.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that a Sedgwick County woman is suing St. Francis Community Services and a former employee. She is accusing him of taking advantage of his authority to force her to send sexually charged messages and photos.

The lawsuit charges that St. Francis had received complaints about him and that chronic insufficient staffing led to inadequate supervision. St. Francis spokeswoman Lee Ann Desper says the organization is unable to discuss a pending case.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families called the allegations “disturbing” in a statement. The department oversees the state’s privatized foster care and family services system.