San Diego sheriff’s deputy accused of repeatedly having sex with female inmate: ‘Abhorrent’

San Diego County sheriff’s deputy Ricky Garcia was arrested over allegations that he repeatedly had sexual encounters with a woman held at the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility. The case raises concerns about the abuse of authority and the safety of people in custody, whose care is the responsibility of correctional staff.

The alleged encounters took place in June and July, and Garcia faces five felony counts. The Sheriff’s Office says it began investigating after an employee raised concerns, and Garcia was moved away from supervising inmates; Sheriff Kelly Martinez called the alleged conduct “abhorrent” and a violation of public trust. The article also cites two earlier California cases involving officers convicted of sexually abusing women in custody.