Deputy arrested for jail romance

Ricky Garcia, a 37-year-old San Diego County Sheriff's Office deputy, was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of maintaining a sexual relationship with a prisoner. The criminal complaint filed that day charges him with five felony counts of engaging in sexual activity with an inmate. Officials allege the offenses occurred in June and July of this year at the Las Colinas women's jail in Santee.

Garcia joined the regional law enforcement agency in March 2018. A co-worker reported concerns about the relationship, which prompted the sheriff's Sexual Assault Unit to open an investigation. During the internal review, Garcia was placed on administrative assignment and removed from duties that involved overseeing incarcerated persons, according to a sheriff's statement.

Sheriff Kelly Martinez described the alleged crimes as abhorrent and stated they represent a violation of public trust. She noted that people in the custody of the Sheriff's Office are among the most vulnerable and that their rights must be protected. Martinez said the office will not tolerate criminal behavior in its ranks and will hold employees accountable for their actions.

Garcia was booked into the county jail in Vista and placed on administrative leave pending the resolution of the case. Under state law, jail staff members cannot engage in sexual activity with an inmate, regardless of whether the acts were consensual.

The next steps in the legal process are determined by the court's scheduling. The case remains under review by the prosecutors handling the felony charges.