Calif. Female Probation Officer Accused of Sexually Abusing Boy in Juvenile Facility

A Los Angeles County probation officer is accused of sexually abusing an inmate who is a minor.

The female officer, who has not been named by the department, was arrested on charges of arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd purpose, sex with an inmate, unauthorized possession of a wireless communication device or any device capable of recording audio and/or video within any secured area of a custody services division facility and bringing contraband into a jail.

According to a Los Angeles County Probation Department press release, investigators with the department’s Juvenile Safety and Welfare Task Force allegedly became aware of “a sexual relationship involving an on-duty female probation officer with a male youth detainee” on March 7 after a contraband phone was found at Dorothy Kirby Center in Commerce.

“Information supported by a warrant led investigators to communications between the detailed youth and probation officer,” the press release claims. “Some of these communications appeared to have occurred while the employee was at work and there were photos that are sexual in nature.”

The employee allegedly spoke to investigators and “gave statements that corroborated information which confirmed that the observed communications were with her,” according to the press release.

Investigators also allegedly found a “prescription pill container with different types of pills in varying quantities” in her bag.

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The probation department declined to comment further to PEOPLE about the investigation.

“The Los Angeles County Probation Department upholds a strict policy of confidentiality regarding personnel matters, including instances of misconduct,” the department said in a statement. “It is our responsibility to protect the privacy and rights of all employees involved in such issues. While we recognize the importance of transparency and accountability, we must also adhere to legal and ethical guidelines governing employee privacy. Therefore, our normal practice is to not disclose the identities of employees involved in misconduct personnel issues to the media or the public.”

The probation department said the case will be referred to the Justice System Integrity Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office when the investigation is complete.

A Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spokesperson tells PEOPLE the case “has not been presented to the office by law enforcement.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.