Deputy Held on Suspicion of Having Sex With Female Inmate

A 27-year-old sheriff’s deputy assigned to the Ventura County Jail was arrested Tuesday in connection with allegations that he had consensual sexual relations with a female inmate, authorities said.

Daniel De Vall of Camarillo was arrested about 6 p.m. and booked into the County Jail on four misdemeanor counts of engaging in sex with an inmate, said Ventura County Sheriff’s Capt. Keith Parks.

De Vall, who was released on his own recognizance, was not available for comment.

Department officials said the woman, whose age and identity were withheld, consented to have sex with De Vall. However, the California Penal Code prohibits law enforcement officers and employees of jails to have sex with inmates even if that sex is consensual.

De Vall, who was hired in 1994 and has served in the Detention Services Division since then, was assigned to the main jail, located at the County Government Center on Victoria Avenue.

Parks said an investigation into the alleged sex acts began last week after an internal investigation turned up evidence that De Vall was fraternizing with the woman.

De Vall was placed on paid administrative leave during a subsequent administrative inquiry, and when authorities found evidence of criminal activity, the case was turned over to the Sheriff’s Department’s Major Crimes Unit.

A warrant was issued, and De Vall was arrested at the jail, Parks said.

The case has been turned over to the district attorney’s office.

De Vall remains on paid leave but his peace officer powers have been suspended.