Sheriff's Deputy Accused Of Sexual Relationship With Inmate In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — A San Diego County sheriff's deputy was arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual activity with an incarcerated person, authorities said.

Deputy Ricky Garcia was arrested Tuesday and booked into the Vista Detention Facility on multiple counts of sexual activity with a person confined in a detention facility, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

The investigation began after a sheriff's office employee raised concerns about possible inappropriate conduct between a deputy and an incarcerated person at the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility.

Garcia was reassigned to administrative duties and removed from overseeing incarcerated people while the Sheriff's Sexual Assault Unit investigated the allegations.

Following the investigation, the case was referred to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office for prosecution, and an arrest warrant was issued.

Garcia, who joined the department in March 2018 and was most recently assigned to the San Diego Central Jail, was placed on unpaid leave following his arrest.

"The allegations against Deputy Garcia are abhorrent and represent a violation of public trust," Sheriff Kelly Martinez said in a statement. "People in the custody of the sheriff's office are among the most vulnerable and their rights must be protected. We will not tolerate criminal behavior in our ranks and will hold employees accountable for their actions."

The sheriff's office said the case appears to be an isolated incident.