A probation officer was arrested for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a youth detainee at a juvenile detention camp in Commerce, a city in southeast Los Angeles County, California, according to the Los Angeles Probation Department.

The agency said the officer, whose identity has not been revealed by authorities, was arrested on suspicion of arranging a meeting with a minor for a lewd purpose, having sex with an inmate, unauthorized possession of a wireless communications device in a secure custody facility, and bringing contraband into a jail.

The investigation started March 7 after a phone that was seized from a detainee at Dorothy Kirby Center revealed “a sexual relationship involving an on-duty female probation officer with a male youth detainee,” probation department officials said.

“Information supported by a warrant led investigators to communications between the detained youth and probation officer,” officials said. “Some of these communications appeared to have occurred while the employee was at work and there were photos that are sexual in nature.”

Officials said, the employee confirmed the communications on the phone with the youth were hers. Additionally, during the investigation, authorities say, they found pills of various types and quantities on her person and inside her personal handbag.

Hilda Solis, a supervisor who represents the First District of Los Angeles County, requested probation officials to undertake a complete investigation into the matter.

Ms. Solis said there “continues to be a disturbing pattern of staff, who are in roles to protect, preying on those that need guidance and protection.”

“Additionally, it was disappointing that this staff was also found bringing pills into our facilities when many of our youth have suffered from overdoses and substance use dependencies,” she said.

She said she authored a motion last year that searches be conducted on probation department staff to help ensure illegal substances were not being brought into facilities.

“My priority continues to be safety for these youth and that includes keeping them safe from wayward staff who are endangering and preying on our youth. My expectation is that Probation’s leadership thoroughly investigate this incident and discipline all, including staff, who continue to harm our youth.”

Officials from the Probation Department said they will be investigating the case, which will ultimately be presented to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

City News Service contributed to this report.