A former California probation counselor faces charges for allegedly having sex with two teen inmates.
Tricia Caparra, 36, was arrested Thursday at her Santa Cruz home and booked on sexual assault charges, the Mercury News reported. She also faces felony charges of unlawful access to privileged information.
Authorities said Caparra was sexually involved with a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old male while they were incarcerated at the William F. James Boys Ranch in Morgan Hill.
Detectives became aware of the alleged misconduct after one of the victims came forward in September 2016.
In light of the allegations, the probation department placed Caparra on administrative leave and she later resigned on July 10.
“We were appalled to learn of this employee’s alleged abuse of a minor in our care, and we have worked closely with the sheriff and district attorney to ensure they have the information necessary to investigate and now prosecute this individual,” said Chief Probation Officer Laura Garnette in a statement to the Mercury News. “This employee violated the trust placed in our department. This will not be tolerated.”
Caparra was booked at Elmwood Correctional Facility, where her bail was set to $655,000. She remained in custody Friday, according to court records.
If she is convicted, she faces up to 11½ years in prison.