A former employee with the Santa Clara County Probation Department was arrested today for sexual misconduct involving two juvenile inmates previously in the county’s care, according to a Sept. 28 press release.
Tricia Caparra, 36, was arrested by the Sheriff’s deputies after one of the victims came forward and reported the incident to the probation department. The alleged acts occurred at the James Ranch juvenile correctional facility in Morgan Hill.
Caparra is charged with 17 counts of sexual assault (14 felonies; three misdemeanors), according to authorities. She also faces one felony charge for unlawful access to privileged information related to one of the victims, according to the announcement.
“We were appalled to learn of this employee’s alleged abuse of a minor in our care,” Chief Probation Officer Laura Garnette said. “We support the Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office in pursuing justice, and will continue cooperating with all aspects of the investigation and prosecution.”
The allegations were reported to the county probation department on Sept. 3, 2016, at which time Caparra was placed on administrative leave and removed from contact with all youth, according to authorities.
Probation officials launched an internal investigation and reported the employee’s conduct to the Sheriff’s Office the same day. Caparra resigned on July 10, 2017, while still under internal investigation, the press release said.
“This employee violated the trust placed in our department. This will not be tolerated,” Garnette said. “Our probation staff have worked compassionately to support both of these youth throughout this ordeal, and we remain committed to providing exemplary care to our youth.”
Anyone who has information that might be helpful to the case can contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigative Services Division at (408) 808-4500 or the Anonymous Tip line at (408) 808-4431.
