Former Riverside County Probation Officer Cecilia Pulido Arrested on Suspicion of Sexually Abusing Juvenile Inmate

RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA (January 25, 2025) – A 42-year-old former Riverside County probation officer identified as Cecilia Pulido was arrested on suspicion of sexual abuse of a male juvenile in custody.
Riverside County Sheriffs Office members were contacted about an alleged inappropriate relationship on January 23, 2025. The Riverside Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit launched an investigation into the allegations.
Investigators believe that Cecilia Pulido had an inappropriate relationship with an incarcerated juvenile while she was a correctional officer. She was arrested on January 24, 2025 and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center.
Cecilia Pulido Was initially hired as a probation corrections officer in December 2023. But she resigned prior to the allegations made against her.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Sexual Abuse in Juvenile Detention Centers
Sexual abuse involving juvenile inmates remains all too common. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, “In 2018, 5.8% of youth reported sexual misconduct by facility staff, and an estimated 2.1% of youth reported sexual misconduct by facility staff that involved force or coercion. In 2018, 1.9% of youth reported sexual victimization by another youth that involved force or coercion.” Jails should take a number of actions in order to prevent the sexual abuse of juveniles in their care.
- Jails should typically separate juvenile inmates from adults.
- All probation officers that work at youth detention facilities should undergo a rigorous background check.
- Jail should prohibit probation officers from being isolated with juvenile inmates.
- Jail should be designed to avoid physical structures that create secluded spaces where abuse is likely to occur.
Jails have a legal obligation to protect inmates from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. This includes protecting them from sexual abuse. If jail officials were deliberately indifferent to a known risk of harm, this could form the basis of a civil claim. For example, jail supervisors may have known that a certain probation officer posed a risk of harm to inmates. But they may fail to take action, even after numerous complaints and allegations by other inmates. It is important that certain steps are taken after any instance of sexual abuse.
- A police report of the incident should be created.
- Medical records related to the incident should be preserved.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
- An experienced civil rights attorney should be contacted.
Sexual abuse in a jail setting is rarely an isolated incident. Abusers often have multiple victims. In many situations, there could be multiple perpetrators within a single detention facility. Part of the problem is that many officers are enabled to commit their misconduct. They could face little to no punishment even if they are reported. Some may be emboldened by the slack of consequences and continue to act with impunity. Any person who is sexually abused in a youth detention facility may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A civil rights attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Juvenile Inmate Sexual Abuse in Riverside County
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were deeply concerned to hear about the allegations against Cecilia Pulido. Any person who may have more information about what took place should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to protect all inmates in Riverside County and across California from sexual abuse. Jails are supposed to be places of rehabilitation. But far too often they become centers of abuse and neglect.
Have you or someone you care about been sexually abused by a correctional officer in Riverside County? You may have legal recourse. Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that jails are held accountable for their unconstitutional actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance with your particular situation, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.