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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A Los Angeles County probation officer was arrested for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a youth detainee at a juvenile detention camp in Commerce, the Probation Department announced Monday.
According to the agency -- which is already reeling from a recent determination by state regulators that two other juvenile detention facilities are unsuitable to house youth offenders -- the unnamed female probation officer was arrested on suspicion of arranging a meeting with a minor for a lewd purpose, having sex with an inmate, unauthorized possession of a wireless communications device in a secured custody facility and bringing contraband into a jail.
Probation Department officials said they began investigating Thursday when a phone was seized from a detainee at Dorothy Kirby Center in Commerce, leading to the discovery "of a sexual relationship involving an on-duty female probation officer with a male youth detainee."
"Information supported by a warrant led investigators to communications between the detained youth and probation officer," according to the Probation Department. "Some of these communications appeared to have occurred while the employee was at work and there were photos that are sexual in nature.
"When investigators spoke with the employee, she gave statements that corroborated information which confirmed that the observed communications were with her. In addition, during the investigation, a cellular phone as well as a prescription pill container with different types of pills in varying quantities was found on the employee and inside her personal bag."
Probation officials said their investigation was continuing, and when it is completed, it will be presented to the District Attorney's Office for consideration of possible charges.
County Supervisor Hilda Solis issued a statement demanding a full investigation by probation officials, noting that the county is also facing potentially billions of dollars in liabilities from pending lawsuits alleging past sexual abuse in probation facilities. But she said there "continues to be a disturbing pattern of staff, who are in roles to protect, preying on those that need guidance and protection."
"Additionally, it was disappointing that this staff was also found bringing pills into our facilities when many of our youth have suffered from overdoses and substance use dependencies," Solis said. "In fact, last year, I authored a motion to tackle the very issue of ensuring searches also be conducted on staff as one of many ways illegal and illicit substances enter the facilities.
"My priority continues to be safety for these youth and that includes keeping them safe from wayward staff who are endangering and preying on our youth. My expectation is that Probation's leadership thoroughly investigate this incident and discipline all, including staff, who continue to harm our youth."