Advocate stresses power imbalance in jails following Shasta County Jail staffer arrest

SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. — A non-sworn Shasta County Jail staff member was arrested this week for having sexual relations with an inmate.

The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) became aware of the possible relationship between the staff member and an inmate on Aug. 16. They said detectives investigated and found evidence confirming it.

The staff member, 60-year-old Luis Sotero Navarro, was arrested on Aug. 18, with the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office filing four felony charges against Navarro on Aug. 21. Also on Aug. 21, Navarro was arraigned.

Just Detention International National Advocacy Director Julie Abbate told the Northstate’s News it’s positive the response from law enforcement was swift and details were released publicly.

Abbate called the power dynamic between staff and inmates imbalanced.

“The staff members have complete control over every aspect of that person’s life while they’re in custody,” Abbate said. “So, when they sleep, when they eat, whether they eat on time, whether they can have a shower and most importantly for a lot of folks who are parents, whether or not they’ll be able to see their children.”

We reached out to the SCSO to find out more about the hiring process.

Public Information Officer Tim Mapes told KRCR via email in part, “For the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, every employee is required to pass a background investigation relevant to working in a law enforcement office or facility. Non-sworn candidates go through the California Peace Officer Standards and Training selection process.”

Mapes also said, “The only difference is non-sworn are not subjected to a Physical Agility Test or Psychological Evaluation. A psychological evaluation is required of someone applying to be a sworn peace officer under California Government code 1031.”

Abbate said, in addition to a criminal investigation of these cases, there also must be an administrative investigation to figure out why this happened. She added that it’s important to make sure inmates who have been abused have access to resources for support.

“When you’re in custody, you cannot fight back,” Abbate said. “You’re going to catch a felony charge for assault on an officer. You cannot leave, clearly, because that’s your escape charge. And so, all that’s left is freeze, submit. It’s never consent.”

Originally posted from ABC7 KRCR.