EspañolLos Angeles Probation Officer Rafaela Martinez, 51, Charged With Having Sexual Relationship With Minor Inmate At Dorothy Kirby Center in Commerce
COMMERCE, CALIFORNIA (March 12, 2024) – An LA County female probation officer identified as Rafaela Martinez has been arrested for allegedly having a sexual relationship with an incarcerated boy.
Los Angeles County officials are saying the improper relationship came to light when they discovered a contraband phone at the Dorothy Kirby Center in Commerce. Authorities said that the phone contained photos that were “sexual in nature.”
The Los Angeles Times has revealed the identity of the female probation officer as Rafaela Martinez. She is currently being charged with having sex with an inmate, bringing contraband into a jail, and arranging to meet a minor for lewd purposes.
Rafaela Martinez was booked into the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Los Angeles County Jail Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involving inmates is far more common than many people realize. According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, around 80,000 men and women are sexually abused inside correctional facilities every year in the United States. Much of the sexual abuse that takes place involves probation officers. There are several steps that jails should take in order to prevent inmates from being sexually abused.
- Probation officers should be thoroughly vetted before they start working.
- Probation officers should be properly monitored while they work.
- Jail officials should understand the factors that lead to sexual victimization and predation.
- All instances of suspected sexual misconduct should be thoroughly investigated.
It is illegal for any jail official to have a sexual relationship with an inmate. According to California Penal Code 289.6 (a), it is a crime for correctional officers to engage in sexual activity with inmates. Federal law also criminalizes sexual contact between prison staff and inmates under 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241, 2243, and 2244. If a jail is deliberately indifferent to protecting an inmate who is then sexually abused, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. Several steps should be taken after any instance of inmate abuse.
- Jail records related to the abuse should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Communication records involving the defendant should be reviewed.
- An experienced sexual abuse attorney should be contacted.
Probation officers can also face civil and criminal liability for sexual interactions involving minors. Pursuant to California Penal Code 288, it is a crime for a person to commit any lewd or lascivious act on a child under 16 years of age. This includes touching a child’s body for sexual purposes. Any person who is sexually abused by a probation officer may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating Los Angeles County Juvenile Hall Sexual Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm extend our best wishes to all of those who have been impacted by the actions of Rafaela Martinez. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. It is our hope that steps are taken to prevent similar incidents from taking place.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused at a Los Angeles County juvenile hall? You may have legal recourse. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys is here for you. We are committed to helping abuse victims and holding law enforcement accountable for their negligence. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
