On October 5, , a Monterey County Sheriff Deputy was arrested for improper sexual conduct with a female inmate. Specifically, the officer was arrested for assault by a public officer California Penal Code P. It is a crime for a peace officer to engage in sexual activity with an inmate confined in a detention facility.
The incident occurred at the Monterey County Jail. The Monterey County Jail has been the subject of controversy in the past few years with respect to substandard operations and deplorable inmate conditions. In , a settlement was reached in a federal class action lawsuit brought by inmates against the Jail.
The Deputy accused of the sexual misconduct is 32 year old Marlon Alvarenga. According to reports, an inmate entered a supply closet where she witnessed Alvarenga and a female inmate engaged in sexual activity.
Click the following link to see an actual copy of the jail intake booking sheet. Alvarenga Booking Sheet. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for correctional officers and prison guards to abuse their authority and coerce inmates into sexual acts. In , an officer in Santa Cruz County, was accused of having sexual contact with an inmate. The Board came up with ten recommendations βfrom implementing body cameras to new policies to track officer movement and prevent one on one situations with inmates.
These sexual encounters are almost never consensual due to the gross difference in power and position. Essentially, inmates are powerless to say no to officers with so much power and authority.
