Former Santa Clara Probation Dept. employee charged with sexual misconduct with teens

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. (KTVU) - A former Santa Clara Probation Department employee, 36-year-old Tricia Caparra, was arrested for sexual misconduct that involved two juveniles who were previously in the care of the Santa Clara Probation Department.

According to authorities, Caparra was accused of having sex with two incarcerated teenage boys. 

Caparra was arrested after one of the victims came forward to report the alleged conduct. The allegations were reported to the Probation Department on Sept. 3, 2016. 

According to the county, Caparra was immediately put on administrative leave. Caparra resigned on July 10, 2017, while still under internal investigation.

Caparra is being charged with 15 counts of sexual assault which includes 14 felonies and three misdemeanors. According to the county, she also faces one felony charge for unlawful access to privileged information related to one of the victims.

“We were appalled to learn of this employee’s alleged abuse of a minor in our care, and we have worked closely with the Sheriff and District Attorney to ensure they have the information necessary to investigate and now prosecute this individual,” said Chief Probation Officer Laura Garnette.  “We support the Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office in pursuing justice, and will continue cooperating with all aspects of the investigation and prosecution.”

Because this is an ongoing criminal investigation, anyone who has information that might be helpful to the case is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigative Services Division at 408-808-4500 - or the Sheriff’s Office Investigative Services Anonymous Tip Line at 408-808-4431.