Correctional Officer Fired After Sexual Relations With Inmate

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — A Santa Cruz County correctional officer has been terminated after he was arrested for engaging in sexual relations with an inmate, according to the sheriff's office. Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart announced at a news conference this morning that former Officer Marco Del Real, 29, was arrested on suspicion of three felony counts of sexual activity with a confined adult, assault under color of authority and sexual penetration.

The investigation began when fellow correctional officers at the jail heard rumors among inmates of a sexual act that occurred between Del Real and a female inmate, Hart said. Sheriff's detectives interviewed inmates
and staff and reviewed evidence, determining that one sexual act took place last July. The investigation did not reveal any further sexual acts with other inmates.

While the investigation was taking place, Del Real was transferred to a different facility where he was on an assignment that had no direct contact with inmates, according to the sheriff. The inmate was offered counseling and was told the former officer would have no further contact with her while she was in custody.

Hart said the sexual acts were prohibited by state law and the sheriff's office's policy, and that officers receive training on the matters, which means Del Real knew that it could result in termination and arrest.

"Knowing this occurred in the jail makes me sick," Hart said. "Officers are supposed to protect inmates, not harm them or take advantage of them. This officer, this suspect, violated his oath of office."

Hart directed Corrections Chief Deputy Steve Carney to conduct a full review of jail policies and reporting procedures, prepare plans to increase fixed cameras in the jail and outfit correctional officers with body-worn cameras. Hart is also requiring they provide additional training to staff and offer counseling services to incarcerated women.

Del Real was booked into county jail with bail set at $50,000. He posted bail Wednesday evening and was released with an assigned court date of April 2 for his arraignment, Hart said. The victim's identity is not being disclosed to the public at this time in order to protect her privacy.

Anyone with additional information on the case or wants to report a similar case should call Sgt. Chris Shearer at (831) 454-7645.

By Bay City News

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