California corrections officer arrested for inappropriate relationship with inmate

A Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office correctional officer has been arrested after being accused of having an “inappropriate relationship” with an inmate.

While announcing this on Monday September 7, 2020, the department stated that the 31-year-old Jessica Smith, was charged on Friday with different counts of suspicion of having sexual activity with an inmate, assault by a public officer and unauthorized computer access.

“Officials were tipped off to Smith’s indiscretions in May, according to the sheriff’s office, but no further details were provided, including how long the relationship had been ongoing”, the sheriff’s department added.

The inmate involved has however not been identified.

Smith has been placed on administrative release pending completion of an investigation.