Correctional officer accused of engaging in sexual activity with inmate

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION) A Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office Correctional Officer has been arrested following allegations that she was engaging in sexual activity with an inmate.

Detectives with the Sheriff's Office launched an investigation into 31-year-old Jessica Smith after receiving a tip that the officer was engaging in illegal sexual activity with an inmate, who was serving their sentence through Supervised Release and the Custody Alternative Program.

Smith was booked into the Main Jail and now faces charges of sexual activity with an inmate, assault by a public officer and unauthorized computer access.

She has since been placed on administrative leave.