WARREN (WWJ) - A Macomb County social worker has been supended after he allegedly offered services in exchange for sexual favors.

Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office, on behalf of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), filed an administrative complaint against Charles Jax of Warren.

LARA summarily suspended Jax's Social Work license based on allegations of sexual misconduct with patients that is alleged to include trading services for sex as well as other violations of the Michigan Public Health Code.

“LARA works to protect the public from health care professionals who violate the law and threaten the safety of their patients,” said LARA Director Orlene Hawks, in a news release. “We appreciate Attorney General Nessel’s collaboration with our department during the course of this case which resulted in the suspension of the social worker’s license.”

The Michigan Public Health Code provides for summary suspension of professional licenses when the public health, safety, or welfare requires emergency action."Michigan citizens should be able to seek assistance from health professionals without fear that licensees will engage in inappropriate conduct, sexual or otherwise,” Nessel said.

According to the complaint, Jax’s behavior alleges 11 violations of the Public Health Code, which include:

Sexual Misconduct

Offering practice-related services in exchange for sexual favors

Taking advantage of a professional relationship or exploiting others to further his personal and/or business interests

Involvement in or solicitation of a sexual relationship with a client

Negligence and a failure to provide due care

Incompetence

Lack of good moral character

A betrayal of professional confidence

Actions inconsistent with the code of ethics

A dual relationship with a client

A conflict of interest

An order of summary suspension is a temporary measure to protect the public and not a final determination that a licensee has violated the Public Health Code.

No further details about Jax's alleged misconduct were immediatily release, and AG's office did not announced criminal charges filed against him at this time.

LARA encourages all concerned residents, patients, parents and peers to file complaints against licensed health professionals who may allegedly be engaging in conduct that puts the public's health, safety or welfare at risk. All concerned residents, patients, parents and peers are encouraged to to file complaints against any licensed health professionals who may be risking public health, safety or welfare.

For more information on filing a complaint with the department, visit Michigan.gov/BPL or review the Citizen’s Guide to Filing a Complaint.