Does it play a role... Maybe, maybe not. It's sort of like a General's kid, there are as many examples of their kids getting in as there are not. I am sure if the liaison has a role in writing recommendations or evals they would defer and allow another liaison to do this. Maybe that helps in the recommendation and gets them more points on this part of their WCS but beyond I would think its neglible.
How do you know this young man is her son? Seems to me that sending your son an email doesn't make sense anyway (just tell him in person.) I suspect that they only share a last name and you shouldn't stress about it.