O.C. Sheriff’s Deputy arrested for sexually assaulting Theo Lacy inmates

ORANGE, Ca. (Aug. 12, 2022): Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Arcadio D. Rodriguez, 30, has been arrested and is pending termination from employment for suspected sexual assault on multiple female inmates at the Theo Lacy Facility.

The Department became aware on Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, when jail staff intercepted communication that described the misconduct. An investigation started immediately and the deputy was placed on administrative leave on Aug. 9.

Rodriguez is suspected of establishing an inappropriate relationship with two female inmates at the Theo Lacy Facility. He is alleged to have sexually assaulted the female inmates separately on multiple occasions by touching them in a sexual manner over their clothes and showing them pornographic videos while in their housing locations. The assaults are suspected to have taken place starting in May 2022.

He was booked into Santa Ana Jail today on felony sexual activity between a peace officer and inmate in a jail facility, and misdemeanor charges of assault under the color of authority and possession of a cell phone in a custody facility.

“The suspected criminal actions of this deputy are inexcusable, especially for a person who swore to serve and protect our community,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. “One of our most important duties is to provide for the care and wellbeing of the people in our jails. Any betrayal of that responsibility is not indicative of the environment in our jails, or reflective of the hard work of hundreds of deputies and professional staff in custody operations every day.

“I want our community to know how seriously I take these allegations and that I will hold accountable any deputy who chooses to be disloyal to their responsibilities as a peace officer through a swift process.

“I have notified the Office of Independent Review and provided them access to monitor and review this investigation to ensure objectivity and thoroughness.”

The case will be forwarded to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.