Internal Affairs Unit
Investigation Report

TO: Diana Teves, Deputy Chief Probation Officer
FROM: Daniel Cortez, lnternal Affairs lnvestigator
SUBJECT: Unprofessional Conduct & Criminal Charges

DATE: August 24,2017
DATE OF INCIDENT(S): March 2016-September 2016

LOGATION OF INCIDENT(S): Juvenile Rehabilitation Facility and Community

¡A CASE #: 2016-09-0015

INVOLVED EMPLOYEE(S): Tricia Caparra

COMPLAINANT(S): Santa Clara County Probation Department
WITNESSES:
ISSA

Noorista

Minors:

Joe (Probation Cou
Counselor),

John

Austin

Probation Cou

Mourik

 ALLEGATIONS:
l. Gounty Merit System Rules 425-301(a) (1)
"Violation of the County Charter, merit system rules and regulations, and written and published
departmental rules and policies which do not conflict with this article."

ll. County Merit System Rules A25-301(b) (f )
"Guilty of gross misconduct or conduct unbecoming a County officer or employee which tends to
discredit the County or County service."

lll. County Merit System Rules 425-301(b) (2)
"Guilty of immoral conduct or criminal act."
lV. Probation Department Juvenile Ranches Procedures Manual Part 12, Section 12.01
PREA POLICY AND STANDARDS BY CODE

-

"The Santa Clara County Probation Department is committed to providing healthy, safe and
secure custodial care for its juvenile residents to include a zero tolerance standard towards all
forms of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and staff sexual misconduct within its facilities and
contracted programs in compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003.
This policy prohibits sexual contact, sexual harassment and acts of sexually abusive behavior
among residents and/or between residents and staff, volunteers, contractors, interns or official
guests/visitors, regardless of consensual status. The Department will immediately respond to
allegations, fully investigate reported incidents, pursue disciplinary action, and refer for
investigation and prosecution those who perpetrate such conduct."
UU: Sexual Abuse of a resident bv a staff member. contractor. volunteer. intern. official.
quesUvisitor: includes anv of the followinq acts. with or without consent of the client:

#4.

Any other intentional touching, either directly or through the clothing, of the genitalia, anus,
groin, breast, inner thigh, or the buttocks of another person, excluding contact incidental to a
physical altercation.

. Contact between the mouth and any body part where the staff member, contractor or volunteer
has the intent to abuse, arouse, or gratify sexual desire.

#7

#11. Any display by a staff member, contractor, volunteer, intern, or official guesUvisitor of his or
her uncovered genitalia, buttocks, or breast on the presence of a client.

#12.Yoyeurism by staff member, contractor, volunteer, intern, or official guesUvisitor

V. Probation Department Juvenile Ranches Procedures Manual Part12, Section 12.01(l) (A)

 Zero Tolerance Policy- "Means by policy and practice the Department will not tolerate resident
sexual abuse of any kind in its facilities or in the community. All incidents of sexual contact,
sexual abuse, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct within its facilities shall be reported and
investigated and, if applicable, criminal charges may be filed. Disciplinary sanctions and penalties
shall apply to any violation of the policy to reinforce importance and deterrence. Consensual sex
between juvenile residents is not allowed in facilities and will be addressed by facilities'
disciplinary process."

Vl. Probation Department Administrative Services Procedure Manual
220 - Code of Ethical Conduct-

-

Part 200, Section

The Santa Clara County Code of Ethical Conduct states that public service is a public trust.

ln keeping with, and incorporating the County Code of Ethical Conduct, Probation Department
employees are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the highest standards of
ethical conduct.
The Santa Clara County Probation Department believes the following core values are fundamental
to the success in realizing our mission and goals:

.
.
.
.

Our employees are the foundation upon which we provide quality services. We
emphasize unity, positive relationships and open communication. We respect our
employees by providing education, training, appropriate tools and developmental
opportunities.
We value and embrace diversity, cultural competence, respect and equitable treatment.
We strive for optimal performance through innovation and collaboration.
We conduct ourselves with honesty, integrity and accountability.

Professional and personal activities must be free of improper influence or the appearance of
improper influence. lnappropriate conduct includes, but is not limited to:

.
.
.
.

Activity which is in fact or could reasonably be viewed as in conflict with one's official
duties;
Using County time, facilities, equipment, supplies or the badge, uniform, prestige or
influence of one's position for other than official purposes;
Accepting personal favor or personal financial gain for professional consideration;
Engaging in improper relationships with clients and/or their families. Staff with personal
and/or family relationships with clients should notify their Supervisor and the client's
assigned Deputy Probation Officer.

Vll. Probation Department Juvenile Ranches Procedures Manual - Part 01 - Section
01.04 (lV) (3) (c) Responsibilities of Probation Department Employees

 "Professional and personal activities must be free of improper influence or the appearance of
improper influence. lnappropriate conduct includes,but is not limited to: Engaging in improper
relationshíps with clients and/or their families."

Vlll. Probation DepartmentJuvenile Ranches Procedures Manual - Part 02 - Section 02.03 (l)
(f 0) Guidelines for Conduct of Staff
"We are a role models to the youth we serve. Staff shall ensure by their dress, language, and
behavior that they render a positive influence. Staff shall not develop social relatíonships with
youth once they have been released from custody absent special permission from Management."
lX. Probation DepartmentJuvenile Ranches Procedures Manual - Part02 - Section 02.08 (V)
(G) (7) - Guidelines for Conduct of Staff
"Staff are not to discuss confidential information within the hearing distance of youth or other nonauthorized persons."

X. Probation Department Juvenile Ranches Procedures Manual - Part 02 - Section 02.08
(Vll) (G) (a) - Guidelines for Gonduct of Staff
"Because texting creates a record, if communicating job details with co-workers ín this manner,
youth must not be specifically referred to unless necessary and then by initials only. Therefore, no
specific physical characteristics or other identifiers should be used to refer to youth nor to the
facility. "

BASIS FOR ALLEGATIONS: On September 6,2016 Probation Counselor PC Caparra was
placed on paid Administrative Leave pending the outcome of a criminalinvestigation conducted by

the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office case #16-248-0311G and an investigation of
unprofessional conduct by lnternal Affairs. On March 15,2017 this investigator metwith Sergeant
Sugey Jaimezfrom the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office. Sergeant Jaimez provided me with a
copy of the criminal investigation report along with nine AudioA/ideo DVD's, two Audio CD's and
three attachment CD's relating to PC Caparra's iCloud artifact reports, AT&T search warrant
returns, photos, Ranch logs, sketches, Emails, time details, and Fairmont Hotel receipt. Upon
receipt of these materials this investigator began the lnternal Affairs investigation into PC
Caparra's actions of unprofessional conduct in violation of County Merit System Rules and
Departmental policies.

SUMMARY OF INTERVIEWS:

 il!o*tber-3,

2ol.olnternal Affairs lnvestigator, Daniel cortez, met *ith

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Juvenile

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assigned to Bravo pod for his entire stay at the James Ranch.

 times providing him with fast food from Chipotle, Jamba Juice and McDonalds. Despite PC
Caparra consistently removing him from his assigned pod, seemingly every shift she worked,
reports PC Cåparra wað not even his assigñed counselor, but raiher PÓ Mourik Nooristany
Iwas. When
asked about other Ranch staff raising questions about the frequency of meeting
regularly with a counselor he was not even assigned to,I
indicates he would respond by
stating he felt more comfortable talking with PC Caparra s-o
ayto dismiss any suspicion. When
asked on how their relationship evolved from conversations about food and religion to topics of a
more personal and intimate näture,I indicated PC Caparra was very subtle, manípulative
and even complimentary when referrìñg to his maturity and intellect inferring he was wise beyond
his years; "l could feel the connection already. She was really infatuated about how my vision of
life and like how I see things. She kinda saw that I was more mature I guess." On one occasion
reported PC Caparra stated, "Oh my God I I can't believe this 30 year old I met out... There
is a bunch of men on the outs that don't even know what you're talking about. Like here you are
just 17... speaking about these things."

I

their close personal relationship could evolve to a more intimate level and
fadmittednowhe believed
was intrigued by the possibilities. Despite his apprehension for fear of getting caught,
decided to pròceed with gauging PC Caparra's interest. He would make ùain, fl¡rtatióus
Is-atements
"l'm
in an effort to illicit a response from her.

occasion,I

On one
recalled stating,
a ladies man, you know? I get the girls on the outs!" to which PC Caparra reportedly responded
by stating, 'Oh, I bet you do! Cause' you know you're handsome! You know?"
recalled
another occasion when sometime during the month of May, 2016, while in-custody-ãî-the James
Ranch, he was walking up to the shower area naked and observed PC Caparra staring at him
through a separation between the frosted privacy glass and clear window which divide the
common living area and the shower area. After showering he reports confronting PC Caparra and
asking, "Why are you looking at me like that all crazy? You're going to get in trouble!" to which
-belie-ved
she replied by státing, "l dõn't care!" lt was at this point
he could take the
relationship to the next level; "That's when, I knew I could startTile touchy feely stuff." Later that
same evening,
recalled wanting to shave, but needed to retrieve his razor from his bunk
area. A male staff volunteered to escort him back to the pod, but PC Caparra quickly intervened
and advised she would accompany him back to retrieve his razor. Upon entering the pod with PC
immediately noticêd it to be unoccupied. Upon reaching his birnk, Þc caparra
stated she would retrieve the razor, bent down directly in front of him while simultaneously looking
back at him.
interpreted PC Caparra's actions as "little signs" that she would welcome his
advances and he relall_s thinking, "This is the time" referring to the opportunity to initiate physical
contact with her.
reportiapproaching and huggingier from behind ãnd began to briefly

I

 

f

Caparra,I
I

I

 kiss her neck before getting scared and backing away. PC Caparra responded by grasping his
robe, pulling him towards her and appeared to want to kiss him, but instead gave him a hug and,
gave him a look like, "...she loved it." At that point he ãidn't want to get in
accoràing tó
get
trouble or
caught so he grabbed his razor and walked back to the bathroom area to shave.

I

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ln addition to the aforementioned incident from May of 2016,
admitted to an additionalfour
to six incidents of inappropriate physical contact and/or sexu al cond uctwith PC Caparra occurring
while at the James Ranch. Although he did not recall the specific date for any of the additional
incidents, he did indicate each incident occurred in the early evening usually between the hours of
6:30PM and 7:30PM. According
PC Caparra would remove him irom Bravo pod under
the pretense of engaging in a counseling session. They would enter the café, briefly sit in the
dining area and talk before PC Caparq ggggested they get some ice to be brought back to the
pod fór slushy drinks to be made later.
inè i.e machine was located in an exterior
closet at the rear of the kitchen nextJile exit door and is only accessible from the outside
(attachment #8/photo #5)
would then accompany her from the dining area, through the
kitchen into a hallway adjacent to tþg__¡þqd prep area and stop directly in front of the staff
restrooms (attachmeni +alpnoto #3)
believes PC Caparra chose tñis location because it
was partially obscured from the dininq area and they could be alerted if someone entered the

tof

Jindicates

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::lî"liåî;x'"1:5f,.î.ï,îfl ;##i,:î'",'å?::,ruffi *:l:;ffl,ffi
penis

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and
on the outside of 1ti5 Clothing before removing his penis from his pants where she
began, "...jerking me off while lsucked on hertits and nipples and grabbed herass." !
also
drew a sketch of the JRF kitchen illustrating the area in which the sexual misconductTook-place
(attachment#35). I
stated that he andPC Caparra neverengaged in oral sex or intercourse
wnre ar James xaffi

f

stated as soon as his furloughs from

RanchÞgn, he and PC Caparra's relationship

$:Lixi:"ifi :",:'äffi :iHi'["'å'.:JH.i::::;H,fr ffil"fl '.'"ff 'rïåïßi1î.i

on his first furlough around June 2, 2016, he reported PC Caparra wanted to-rneet with him right
away þgt bj{ather had him on a tight leash and would not let him leave the home unsupervised.

sJ"&F**:i:ïffi åïffi ;iii,3;îffi:Jlî':3ii[î:erff !ili"ål+î:it'JîH

sent me pictures." When asked to describe the type of pictures ÐTãparra
"Oh, naked pictures of her in showers and stuff like that and crazy stuff."

sent,I

replied

 Hotell

After arriving at the Fairmont
said that he was instructed to walk 10 to 20 feet behind
PC Caparra and then wait at the lobFflfar to avoid any appearance that they were there together.
After PC Caparra checked in and retrieved the room keys, she offered to buy him a couple of
beers and meet him upstairs in the room
recalls táfing the elevator to the ninth floor, but
could not recall the room number.
stated that once he arrived in the room he was nervous,
but PC Caparra gave him a beer a-ñtl-stated "Well! Get undressed."
recalls PC Caparra
"Crazy
giving
started
him
oral sex and kissing me all over." When aslecflo describe anv other

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condom so he put on a condom on and had sex with her. After that, he recalls having sex with her
in the shower and all over the Hotel room without a condom.
recalled leaving the Fairmont Hoteland upon returning to the Ranch he was questioned by
IPC Nooristany
privileges
about smelling like alcohol. After further questioning
and assured no
would be revoked, he admitted to drinking two beers on his furlough. When asked about other
instances in which they had sexual intercóurse on his furloughs,l stated that his Furloughs
were reduced and spread further apart because of the two beers vioìãllon so he would just see PC
Caparra at the Ranch and wait until he was on aftercare before they began having sex again.
reported that PC Caparra asked for July 2,2016 off so tney coúto meet up anã requelted
for this investigator to check it out with the Ranch.

I

26,2016 !was released on Aftercare, a supervised Ranch program in where the
youth ãre allowed toffiãin in the community on pre-release to monitor theiiprogress. f
On August

I

was asked about the frequency of intercourse during his time on aftercare
õt"t"o h€ a-nã
PC Caparra engaged in'sexuäl intercourse between five and six times r?iEã more.
describes the sexual relationship between PC Caparra and himself as "...That's whenitwas
insane, that's when I was like having sexual relationship with her all the time." When asked about

lff i""ï:::iliH:î:î::ffi

I

::ïi:::t,ï:?i5llffi '"i#,'1,:ry:iiJ?:i,il-,il:iä
wherel

Caparra had a new assignment called QA, in
states p-c Faparra would get off work
at 3Ptvl. go pio< n"t
up. IaKe hrm to n"t
nouse ancj meer up wrrn
untr 12
midnight, then drive back to Santa Cruz. He also recalls going to Santana Row shõÞÞiñg center
with PC Caparra and eating at a restaurant called Veggie Grill and driving back to his house to
have sex again.

ton-l

toil.

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When asked if he had any knowledge about PC Caparra having inappropriate relationships with
other minors at James Ranch, He recalled the night at the Fairmont Hotel in Slln Jose CA, while
PC Caparra was in the shower her cellular phone rang and the name
appeared in the
caller lD He recalled saying to himself, that name sog¡gls familiar in reìãtl-ont,o a minor named
(rrr
then recars a text message fror
appearing on pc
Caparra's phone that read "Hey babe, I'm sorry I didn't see Vou yesterclãy.Fomething came up."

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ended.
that

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He recalled feeling
PC Caparra was playing him and that she was messing around
with other minors.
siated during his commitment at the Ranch he heard rumors

I

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 i",iil='üfi
ËF*,ft

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ffi ;:':,fl"i*å:f
":,!"ffi ,:i,å"åil.åi;y.,?trËEi#ãË

*¡i*i*itrffiåifr iiäìffi *;*'f

ËË-i[{ffi
that!

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aboul it?' After
said Pó Caparra threatened not to ever talk to him again if he brought
it up.
saiO tolñìms-eh "Maybe this is a bad idea. But then was like, No, no. I stitl want to get
pulled ou.!_þy her."
was asked if he could provide any more specific information regarding
with PC caparra, but he saiâ she would set upset so they neve-r

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When questioned regarding other James Ranch staff having any knowledge or suspicion

Ranch,I

regarding his and eC-Caparia's interactions at the
sa¡á tnat ne rrád a feeling that
some staff were suspicious but could not confirm that any stãflFnew what was going on between

""il"#,;ï;5:iå'J,.îfi ury'#åïåi,i*lffi:f

"lî:i:,i,i'åî;ffi i":'å,iåli

" That's what. . kind of role she
He recalled Mr. Alatore would state--OF, by the way, your mom... ^fl
would tell the staff. He's like my son. Oh, your mom said, "Good night".

When ouestioned reo arding how I
and PC Caparra communicated outside of the James
Rancn racrrtv
said Snapchat wãs their primary method of communication outside of the
James Ranch facility. He recalled that they would text sometimes but his aftercare counselors

-

photograph
ictu red with the caption reading
When asked to explain
p
that photog
stated "PC Ca rra was tn
re
blocked out her image
and posted
to avoid detection (attachment#58). When asked how
many inappropriate p
sent him via Snapchat, he said numerous
picture
recalled only saving one
PC Caparra sent him via Snapchat. It was a photograp
Caparra's buttocks in black oanties showi ng full back tattoo of a
flower and waves
(attachment #19 photograp h #5)
was asked why he only saved one picture from
Snaocnar
srares rnar ù napchat lets th e sender know if the receiver saves the photograph,
so to avoid explaining why he was saving photographs of PC Caparra, he waited until their
relationship progressed to avoid suspicion.

I

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ht

Ãy,ä,îiîiå'åî'31åä:'?:T.iåls,,'',,-Hi:ï'""?dï?f 'Ëîäi:i,::ry"å:",î:
meeting DPO Vento and another Officer in front of Red Robin restaurant. Acc'rFngtoI
DPO Vènto wanted to look through his cell phone. After handing over his phone, lt ång6ñã
grabbed it back from DPO Vento and took the phone call. Before returning the phone back to
ópO Vento, I
recalls going through the phone and deleting pictureJ and conversations
between him and PC Caparra. He recalls DPO Vento telling him to stop it and give the phone
back to her. !
stateä that after giving his phone to DPo Vento she gave him a ride back to

 his house and said she would return the phone to him the next day.

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was not right. He said he wanted to see other women and told her he wanted thirty thousand
dollars by the end of the month or he would get her in trouble. He recalled that she started crying
and statéd "Oh, you know this is not you rig-ht now. This is not you speaking." I
state¿ põ
put
Caparra
herêonl on the pnonä to make him feel guilty,'but rememnérsffi her I donit
want to talk to him, stating "Either you call me later if you're going to help with my money, or that's
it." She said... "Okay. l'll ca
help you out with money." Except, PC Caparra never called
and instead began deleting
from all her social media accounts and would not return his
ls or text messa
to
that's when he reported the incident to his
counselor

ry

When asked what he hoped to gain from the relationship he was having with PC Caparra,I
recalled PC Caparra promised n¡m a really good life. I
stated Éc c"p"rra ialkedFout
taking him on vacations to Hawaii, helping him financrãïf-had plans to become a Probation
Officer in Santa Cruz and eventually they would move in together I
stated he felt guilt,
embarrassment and shame because of what was happening to PC Caparra especially since she
had a young child. He stated that he loved PC Caparra and everything seemed to be going so
good until he asked her for all that money. Despite the fact, that PC Caparra and his relationship
üvas inappropriatel still had some reservations about reporting the relationship.

Julissa Vento:
On March 13,2017 lnternal Affairs lnvestigator Daniel Cortez met with Deputy Probation Officer
Julissa Vento at the lnternal Affairs Office located at the Adult Probation Department. DPO Vento
has been a Deputy Probation Officer for five years and reports to Supervising Probation Officer
Ruben Johnson. DPO Vento said she has been supervising
for aboufa year, and would
about once or twice a week. DPo Vento was askeÌl-torecall the timsshe supervised

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James Ranch or in the community. She did recallf saffithat certain counselors used to
"Hook him up" with food, but does not recall anythiñffurther. DPO Vento was asked if PC
Caparra was his assigned counselor. She said she doesn't ever recall PC Caparra participating in
any case plan or couñseling program regarcing! Nor does she recall PC Caparra being his
assigned pod counselor.

DPO Vento was asked what occurred on the date of September 5,2016. DPO Vento stated SPO
Utsey called her and said he was given a directive by Deputy Chief Probation Officer Jermaine
Hardy to seize
cellulãr phone. She remembers it was Labor Day weekend and she
agreed to meet SPO
Starbucks on Tully and King Road in San Jose CA. DPO Vento
reialls trying to
at his residence but he was noithere. According
Aunt, he
was at East Ridge MaïhãVing lunch at Red Robin restaurant.

minorf
@at
locatef

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locatedf

DPO Vento and SPO Utsey proceeded to Eastridge Mall and
restaurant. DPo Vento asied to
ceií phone and upon

view!

viÑiñõ

in front of Red Robin
it the phone rang, so

 she handed it back to I
After he concluded the phone call, she stated, "l remember
specifically he went intohis Tnstagram and started deleting like conversations, or messages." At
that point ðhe recalls askingl for the phone back by s-tating "Give it to me, you don'tñeed to
delete anything." He handeTthe phone back to her and she told I
that she needed the
phone overnight and he would get it back tomorrow. When asked if she saw any¡peç¡fic name or
conversation attached to what he was deleting, she said "No." She just recallsl reviewing
his lnstagram messages, and when she asked him what he was deleting, he stãtecf "Nothing."
When asked if SPO Utsey had seen anything, she recalled that SPO Utsey was off to the side and
she did not think he could see anything.

After that, she recalls driving down to the Sherriff's Office to meet with someone about
downloading the phone's contents. DPO Vento recalls there being an issue about howthe phone
was obtained and downloading its contents without a search warrant. She then recalls having to
hold onto the phone until another detective, Kevin Long contacted her to give her directions on
how to download the contents of the phone. She recalls the next morning meeting-She
with Detective
phone.
Long and going through the steps of downloading the contents
recalls that
pnoine, sne ooserveffio p,crures oi PC Caparra.
orr,ñg rne proóess oioown,oaorng
That was the first time she recognizecfher. She recalls stating "Oh, that's a Probation Staff."
When asked to describe the pictures she observed, she stated "There was one of just her face,
and picture of her with, I want to say her son, or a small child." When asked if she could
recognize any background in the picture, she said "No, they were pretty close up." DPO Vento
alsoiecalls
cell phonä's browser history revealéd PC Caparra's salary on a website
called Transparent California. DPO Vento does not recall anything further from the phone
pertinent to the investigation.

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DPO Vento was asked how well she knew PC Caparra. She recalls knowing of her and just
saying hello if they passed each other in the hallways. DPO Vento does not recallspeaking with
PC Caparra regarding any probation work or personal matters. When asked if she ever saw any
distinctive tattoôs on ÞC Caparra, she stated ''No." When asked if she ever heard the

termsl

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J;:lf-'ffi 5ï:;.î,t#::-åIil*i*î
Ë:ñJ:::Îiff
PCCaparra, she said "No." She statediñãlãtnough she has good rapportwithl heËever
a

disclosed any inappropriate conduct he was having with PC Caparra to her. However, after the
allegations câme io
would try and talkãbout it as if he wanted people to know. She
remember telling him to stoþ fringing it up or redirecting the conversation.

tigfrt,I

DPO Vento was asked to recall a home visit she conducted on October 7,2016. DPO Vento
reported PC Joe was conducting a home visit with PC Austin, and when DPO Vento entered the
was excitedly jumþing up and down, screaming at PC Joe "Tell her, Tell her what
you saw." She recalls PC Joe "Kind of being taken aback." She reports PC Joe trying to redirect
because he was so excited about what PC Joe observed on his phone. She remembers
Elãe showing her a picture or mariju";.
;p-Ë;;.¡ to be disappointed
because they were addressing the photogrãÞhiT-marijuan-a
and_g¡qlng the inappropriate
pictures. PC Joe had iust observed a picture of PC Caparra on
phone. DPO Vento
gaíe
phone
recalls that PC Joe
his
back and she never saw thãpictures that PC Joe
observed. Knowing that there was an ongoing criminal investigation she remembers not wanting

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to describe those pictures, she said "They were of her butt." When asked if PC Joe observed any
other pictures, she said "No Just pictures of her butt." When asked about the timing of the
pictures PC Joe observed on October 7, 2016 versus the September 5, 2016 photos she
phone at Red Robin, she couldn't recall if those pictures were recently sent
observed
just
to him or if he
had them hidden on his phone.

onI

When asked if she ever experience

rememberrl

being very needy a
and hustle someone else. DPO Vento recalls

testing any physical boundaries with her, she
askin g her for stuff and she would tell him to go
always wanting to get real close every time
lls

if
at
er

When asked if she could recall any other information to help this investigation, DPO Vento said
she had heard PC Caparra was taking out $500 dollars every pay period to
quiet and
there were pictures and or video circuiating
holding sóme of PC Capaiffiewelry with
the caption, "l'm getting paid, I'm getting mine.'--She thinks the minor's name with the pictures/
videos *"t
áåo was mãybe ãn Carmen Murray's caseload. when asked how she
gathered that information, she could not recall. She also stated she heard that a staff from
Probation ran into PC Caparra at a reggae concert in Santa Cruz around December of 2016, and
describes the interaction as awkward. PC Caparra looked at the staff person and said "l guess I
messed up, or something like that. Kind of caught that other person off guard." DPO Vento could
not recall who she had heard that information from.

with!

I

Melissa Joe:

keeRl

 On March 14,2017 lnternal Affairs lnvestigator Daniel Cortez met with Probation Counselor PC
Melissa Joe at the lnternal Affairs Office located at the Adult Probation Department. PC Joe has
worked for the Probation Department for five years as a Probation Counselor. She is assigned to
the Aftercare program where she works with the youth in the community for approxt4elely 10
weeks upon their release from the Ranch facility. PC Joe recalls working with
for
approximately three to three and half months on Aftercare.

!

PC Joe was asked if she could recall any instances where she observed PC Caparra and I
together at the Ranch, PC Joe stated she observed PC Caparra and I
interact oiîã
occasions in what appeared to be counseling sessions. Once on the bencfes in front of the
basketball court and once in the administration building where she observed PC Caparra waiting
to sayggggþye tol
in preparation for his releasebn Aftercare. PC Joe recalls PC Caparrã
givingl a hug upon his release from the Ranch, but she didn't think it was out of the ordinary
because a lot of staff say goodbye to the kids before they leave. When asked if the hug PC
Caparra gave !
seerieo a[propriate, PC Joe respônded by stating the hug "seehed
you
inappropriate,
know?"

andl

When asked if PC Caparra
were ever seen in the cafeteria or any other locations at
the Ranch, she said "No." When asked if any Ranch staff or CBO provider raised any concerns to
her about PC Caparra's and
interactions, she said "No."

I

PC Joe was asked to recall a home visit she conducted with PC Austin, on October 7 ,2016. PC
Joe stated during a routine Aftercare home r4þil4[e conducted a search of I
cellular
phone. PC Joe stated that she went through I
Snapchat account becauEîñã?s where
most youth try and hide their illegal activities. PC Joe stated the search on his phone revealed a
tab under private conversations, with a picture of PC Caparra smiling with the caption "PC" above
it. When PC Joe scrolled down she saw a second photo again with the caption "PC" above itwith
"Someone's rear end in like yoga pants." PC Joe then recalls her colleague PC Austin stating
"\,A/ho's Tricia?" PC Austin said it really loud, you know not realizing who he might have been
talking about. PC Joe then recallrl "Jumþing up and down excitedly, screariing "l'm going
to get paid from the Ranch. Fuck you guys." At that point PC Joe terminated the visit because, "it
*ri gätting really uncomfortable." ug¡þ,¡ting f
home she saw DPO Vento and they
pñoiffi Joe recalls DPo Vento stating she haá
discussed what PC Joe discovereo on!
just confiscated the phone the week before ánd she didn't remember coming across those photos
when she downloaoêol phone. This investigator asked PC Joe wny sne didn't confiscate
phone for evideGñe stated "l think I was just more disturbed at what I saw, um, and I
fguess I just
wanted to get out of there. Especially, the way he was acting, I didn't feel safe." This
investigator showed PC Joe two pictures with the caption "PC" above the photos one of PC
Caparra smiling and another with a buttocks wlh !þçk yoga pants. PC Joe confirmed that those
were the same two pictures she observed on I
fnoie on octobe r 7, 2016.
PC Joe was asked to describe her relationship with PC Caparra, PC Joe said they just saw each

other at the ranch in passing and would say hi; but she never worked with her in a pod or in any
assignment. When asked if she ever communicated with PC Caparra outside of the Ranch facility
in a social setting, she stated "Yes." PC Joe recalls having PC Caparra's phone number and
being friends with her on Facebook and lnstagram. However, since these allegations came to

 light, PC Caparra blocked her from all social media accounts and she no longer has her phone
number.

HT:å:ffi

iil#i,îlli,îiruîñ:"J#Jålö';,xï:ts:iï,Ti:::i:j;il::1lii

for his behavior. She

recallsl

lryLgto hug her in an effort to gain sympathy. However, PC

ÈË,li'J3,:Lifff;:iiii:,fi.lï"i:"iilñ'ì3:i:l:,:'åiil-ìl",ilì:i:,:li:ï3:i:i
had nothing further to add.

Marc Utsey:
On March 15,2017 lnternal Affairs lnvestigator Daniel Cortez met with Supervising Probation
Officer SPO Marc Utsey at the lnternalAffairs Office located at the Adult Probation Department.
SPO Utsey has worked for the Probation Department for approximately 17 years and has been a
Supervising Probation Officer for approximately two years. He currently supervises the Family
Preservation Unit and reports to Probation Manager Giap Le.
SPO Utsey was sked to recall a probation contact that he and DPO Vento had regarding
probationerl SPO Utsey reported that he was contacted by Chief Probation OfficeÌ Laurã
Garnette and Deputy Chief Probation Officer Jermaine Hardy. SPO Utsey stated the "Chief's"
wanted him to obtaiñ r
cell phone because it was related to an investigation they were
following up on. SPO ftsey then contacted DPO Vento and they met at a Starbucks on Tully
road. When asked the date of the contact, SPO Utsev said it was around Labor Dav Weekend in

Î:lu;"'J.oni,':îiä:;i,'...g?r%l"ff ;.ïliiyli#"S:iîresidence'butlwasnotat

with!

SPO Utsey and DPO Vento then drove to East Ridge mall and made contact
in front of
the Red Robin restaurant. SPO Utsey describes the interaction as normal, statìñg Fe stood by
phone. SPo Utsey recalls DPo Vento lookiñg through hii
while DPO Vento asked to

seef

îå3!3¡"1,iiïåî8"*iff

3iå:i,.lffi

i:%;:î",J:i,ï:ïJi
givingl

few feet off to the side so he could not ma-ke out anything specific, but recalls DPO Vento telling
to stop it and hand her the phone back. ntei tnat, SeO Utsey recalls
a ridð
back to his house.

I

"F"."Jn:Ti'il:,m,Tüff

SPO Utsey recalls meeting with Santa Clara County Sherriff's deputies to hand over the phone.
However, during that visit with the Sherriff's deputies, there were some concerns regarding how
the phone and potential evidence was obtained, so the Sherriff's Deputy advised them to hang
onto the phone until further notice. SPO Utsey then stated DPO Vento kept the phone in her
possession, until they could straighten out the legality issues. When asked what he did next, SPO
Utsey thinks he called or sent an Email to his Probation manager Giap Le and/or Chief Probation
Officer Laura Garnette and/or Deputy Chief Jermaine Hardy detailing the seizure of
phone. SPO Utsey did not recall anything further.

I

Mourik Nooristany:
On March 16, 2017 lnternal Affairs lnvestigator Daniel Cortez met with Probation Counselor

 Mourik Nooristany at the lnternal Affairs office. PC Nooristany has worked for the Probation
Department for approximately six years. PC Nooristany has been assigned to Bravo Pod since
August of 2014, she reports to (SPC) Heredia. PC Nooristany stated tha[ she ¡rI
assigned
pod.
counselor in Bravo

I

I

personarrry. PC Nroonsrany srareo
When asked to describe
was very personaore.
very talkative, very nice kid, but extremely manipulative." When askecfto give an example, PC
Nooristany reported, "When he knew certain rules, and he wasn't able to do something, he would
try to ask different staff. After he was told "No" by one, he would go to another." When asked how
often she made contact
she said pretty much the whõle shift from counseling sessions
to school supervision and meal times. PC Nooristany was asked how many times she recalled PC

withl

3:3:ii:

åiïìP,'ilî"Jtth:[::i3:

?"",1,,,'i."r'å't"ir-,,,"

",JiJ'oo,l'Ë'y,ffi,lî;.:
too. PC Nooristany recalls she had a different work rotation than
PC Caparra, so she couldn't
requestl

give an accurate count on the number of times PC Caparra would
or vice versa.
When asked to recall the number of times she observ"d
r".iing *ìîFfr Caparra, she
said. "Probably about ten." When asked if she ever became suspicious or concerned about the
frequency of their meetings, she said PC Caparra approached her a couple of times to ask
permission and she recalls telling PC Caparra to "be careful of your time because he's very needv
and he likes to talk a lot and peopte are busy." Although, she thought PC Caparra's and
meetings to be excessive, she didn't think about it too much because PC Caparra was a
colleague.

I

A

When asked where she observed PC Caparra counseling I
she recalled, "One time she
pulled him out, I saw them in the kitchen sitting alone and talk.-rng. Another time I saw them on a
bench away from the general population area. Another time near the Mental Health Office and
another couple of times just walking around talking." When asked if there were any instances
where PC Caparra *oúld pull  
  out to ialk and she couldn't find them, she said,
"Sometimes I wouldn't see them a-ndõther times I wouldn't know where she would be taking him."
She stated it appeared like "Normal counseling sessions." However, she did not know the
content of their discussions. She recalls one time seeing them in the kitchen and!
appeared
"They
"
to be upset.
stopped talking... when I walked in. She recalled that she wa5justìn the café
for a few minutes warming up her food before she left. When asked what PC Caparra and
I
we're doing, she recalls PC Caparra eating, and had her phone out. They were listening tornus-rc
together. PC Nooristany was asked if she ever observed PC Caparra and I
outside the
James Ranch, she said "No." When asked what other minor PC Caparra is pullecfout of Bravo
pod, she said "None." She heard frequently PC Caparra pulled two other minors out of Charlie
Pod and Delta Pod. She stated the minor from Charlie Pod *rtI
She could not recall
the minorfrom Delta Pod, but describes him as a Light skinned mediúm Suild Hispanic male. This
investigator asked iflI
was possiþlgllgjnór she was describing in Delta pod. She could
not recall, however, she is positive
minor she pulled out frequentlv from

th?;effiJårJ!"

iifl [:5ii,H:ï"?:::*nLï,îfålrysË&Ë,?:ï:î,1'i-:x1#:i:"iiifl
podTk" f
would remove him from tñ-e
fconcerns and
l when asked if she ever raised any
about the frequency of PC Caparra's involvemènt with minors from Bravo pod, she
stated that she reported it to her supervisor, Mr. Heredia, because she thought it was a bit

 excessive. She recalled Mr. Heredia advising her to "Tell him No." lf I
I ever requests PC
Caparra say "No." When asked if other counselors expressed concernlEheJemembered other
staff bringing it up because PC Caparra was doing it every shift she worked.
She was asked what the policy is regarding JAS notes and/or pod log documentation of
counseling sessions with the youth at the ranch. She said that ranch staff should be notating
when the minor leaves the pod and any counseling sessions that are done. When asked how PC
Caparra was able to counsel so many youth without documenting anything in JAS notes, she
stated "Again, we didn't see anything out of the ordinary for us to be alerted. Just that it was a
little excessive." She was asked "Why she didn't notate anything in JAS notes relating to all the

discussionsl

was having with PC Caparra, ask questions of PC Caparra like ,"what are vou
guys discur.liõFrcr instruct Èc Caparra to document her counseling sessions
in ias
notes. PC Nooristany stated "Nobody discussed that, Um looking back now, I should hãúe. Yeah.
That should have definitely been done.' PC Nooristany recalls thãtshe had
a couple
of times he and PC Caparra were discussing. PC Nooristany
would ñTñìñ¡ze it and
say religion or music and reiterate that he had a lot in common with PC Caparra.

statedl

withl
askedl

PC Nooristany was asked to recall an incident on July 2, 2016 where I
returned from a
furlough. Shqstated afterl
returned from his furlough, he walked oyFrn the pod and she
smelled a strong odor of alõohõI. She recalls asking the group who drank beer on their furlough
and when nobody answered,I walked by her again ãnd she smelled the alcohol odor agaln.
She then asked I
if he'ñã?l'?lrank alcohol on ñis furlough, but I
kept denying. Ãtter
some discussion, they walked over to the Administration building so she could conduct a
breathalyzer test. Unable to locate the breathalyzer machine, she näo !
submit to a urine
sample and told him it appeared positive for alcohol. He then admitted to her he had two or three
beers. When asked if he said where he got the alcohol from, she recalledl saying a "BBQ at
my home." She then advised him that he failed his week and wrote an lñõicfent Report. When
asked if PC Caparra was working that day, she said "No." because her new position in QA has
weekends off. She recalls I
being úery upset with her because he would be on furlough
restriction for a couple of weeks.
When asked if she ever suspected anything inappropriate was taking place betwçgn l
anO
PC Caparra, she said "No." when asked if èhe ever observed PC Cãparra oringSrooo
or special treats, she said "No." Although she reiterated that "just to be pulled out as much as he
was, that's just favoring in itself." PC Nooristany was asked to recall if I
had ever reported
his relationship with PC Caparra to anyone at the Ranch, she said not that she can recall. When
asKeq aooul now sne nearo aoout me areqauons aqarnsl rrv uaoarra. sne srareol
toro
rrçr crLrLruf'I érru r w' w'é\)otté. vvrrEirr øÞ^çu ,, I
,,t,
EvEr rLru
,ili!,,ot
reported the relationship to a Ranch staff, she said "No." When asked about further cletails
regarding her conversation *ith I
she could not recall any.
PC Nooristany was asked how well she knew PC Caparra. She said they weren't really friends,
more like colleagues, stating she usually just saw her in passing and would say hello. When
asked if she ever communicated with her via text message, she said "Yes." She recalls texting PC
Caparra on a few occasions regardingl PC Nooriõtany reported that PC Caparra texted her
to pulll
out of class one day añ?lGFe replied by advising PC Caparra that Mr. Heredia

 advised against it. She then recalls that PC Caparra wanted
to know that she was going to
be off for a few days and wanted her to let him know to havea good weekend. She then advised
PC Caparra that Mr. Heredia should have talked to her about ñot pulling
responded by stating "That's weird," in reference to not being able to
PC
Nooristany was unable to locate the text messages on her phone for this investigator but sãd she
handed everything she had related to those conversations to the Sheriff's detective who was
conducting the criminal investigation. (Attachment # 37).

I

out!Ekparra
púll-útI

PC Nooristany was asked if she ever noticed any tattoos on PC Caparra, she said "No, I didn't
know she had tattoos until later." PC Nooristany was asked to clarify what she meant by later.
had a photograph of PC Caparra with some kind of flowertattoo on her
She said she
back and he was showing people. When asked how she got that information, she could not recall.
When asked if she ever spoke with PC Caparra once the allegations surfaced, she said "No."
when asked ir qhe qver heard

heard!

l¡r_y{ïtî;t"";tHûfff,'Silî?J::1l1,ffiJ,ïl

F"*#;åi:åt:;#:it

I

pc
out a picrure or a Buddh-aand siving it to
Nooristany was asked if she could provide any more information that could heþ with this
investigation. She recalled that!
rignt have been friendswitfrll. PC Nooristanycould
not recall anything further related to this investigation.
Johnny Austin:
On March 16,2017 lnternal Affairs lnvestigator Daniel Cortez met with Probation Counselor PC
Johnny Austin at the lnternal Affairs office located at the Adult Probation Department. PC Austin
has worked for the Probation Department approximately 20 years and is assigned as a Presince August of 2016, he reports to SPC Sal
ust 2016 to October 2016. When asked to recall
"Very conniving, and manipulative a
was at following his Probation orders, he
would always push the envelope and try

WAS

stated "Satisfactory." However, PC Austin recalls
to be evasive and stay out past curfew.

When asked if I
ever talked about PC Caparra during any of their probation contacts, PC
Austin stated, n-ot
until after he and PC Joe were informed by their supervisor thatl
was
involved in inappropriate conduct allegations. According to PC Austin,I would inõüliãrabout
PC Caparra and make vague comments about contacting his lawyers because he has a case
against the County. Besides that inquiry oV I
PC Austin does not recall !
ever
mentioning PC Caparra or having knowledge of any alleged inappropriate conduct between them.

and!

When asked to recall any instances where he saw PC Caparra
together at the Ranch,
he said when he worked in Bravo pod before his Aftercare assignmenFand recalls PC Caparra
in areas where they could be seen by staff. When asked aboutthe locations
speaking
these interactiffilth Pc Caparra
took placé, he, stated "the basketball court area
and picnic benches by the Administration building." When asked if PC Caparra was assigned to
Bravo pod, he said "No." According to PC Austin, PC Caparra, was assigned to an Area ll
assignment, QA position. When asked about the process in which PC Caparra removed minor

withl

and'l

 the gggllre recalled that sometimes she would come into Bravo pod and ask for
Ihim. Other
I trom
times,I would ask staff to call PC Caparra they
PC

could talk.
Austin recalls
that it did not seem out of the ordinary because some counselors have a better rapport with
certain youth so it's not uncommon to see staff that are not assigned to a specific pod counseling
the youth. PC Austin recalled one specific instance, where PC Caparra asked him to speak with
,n schoor so to try rater when asked to recal any other
so

#:": pcfil:H;:r:".$;#¿:i"
seeins
caparra andr in rhe r?:åËffi'åïili:iñ:ttri"1ffiiffi^i;iå äñ?.;
on different occasions. PC Austin stated he always observed the interactions as normal
counseling sessions. When asked if he ever observed PC Caparra
Ranch, he said "Never."

and!

outside the James

lVhqn asked if any staff ever complained or brought up any issues with PC Caparra pulling out
so much, hê recalls overhearing PC Nooristany staiing "Why is PC Caparra pulling out
I
much? She needs to follow protocol and go through me, especially if she is going to be
Ibringingsohim
food." He states the topic was never brought up formally
meeting, itwas
at a

more of

a frustration by PC Nooristany
PC Austin was asked to recall a home visit he conducted with PC Joe on October 7,2016. He
phone and PC Joe being kind of taken back and then he
recalls PC Joe scanning
recalls seeing a picture or text message with someone named Tricia and he asked "Who's Tricia?"
which he didn't know was PC Caparra's first name. At that point he figured out who she was
was acting like he wanted us to see whatwas going on with him and PC Caparra.
PC Austin said he could not recall anything specific from the text messages but remembers the
picture with the name Tricia on it. PC Austin was shown a photograph of a buttocks in black yoga
pants with the name Tricia at the top, which he confirmed was the same picture he saw on
phone on october7,2016. PC Austin recalls informing SPC Heredia, who instructed PC
Joe to write an lncident Report documenting their observations. When asked to recall what social
media site he saw the picture on, he could not recall. He stated his focus was of safety and
security and watching his colleague.

tnrougrr!

becausel

I

When asked how well he knew PC Caparra, he said their relationship was "Mostly superficial but
professional
When asked if he ever saw any tattoo's on PC Caparra's body, he said "No."
When asked if he observed or heard the terms
or I
ov erlner PC Caoarra or
"No,
he said
I can't recall." When asked i
ever d isclosed any inappropriate contact
he was having with PC Caparra to him, he said

I

PC Austin could not recall anything further related to this investigation

 On March 22 2017 lnternal Affairs lnve

ator Daniel Cortez met with
on at the lnternal Affairs Offi ce
e
u
AS WO rked for
n rogram for two years and was
previously employed
of Santa Cla ra County. His current assignment is lead
case manager for the
rcare program Some of his duties include providing intensive case
management services to young men and women referred by the Ranch program or Probation
Officer referrals.

tn"l

rnal Affairs lnvestigator Daniel Cortez met with
from
ô
at the lnternal Affairs Office lo
ro tion
worked as a
SCVCN
years. Sh e rep
supervrsor
ucting
individual and group counseling
ons
comm
Ranch. Her primary work
location is at the James Rancll in Morgan H¡ll CA, specifically the Mental Health building where
she has been assigned for the last three years.
was asked how lon
eg

nmo nths

of those months and two or
very sociable and talkative. He re

 t

tested anv ohvsical boundaries with her or flirt with her, she said "l don't feel he did."
d to describe the conversation she had
that led her to file
she recalled
was on Aftercare and he called her on the telephone after
meeting with her earlier that day. Accordin gto
called her that evening and
reported he was having an intimate relationsh
a ran
When she asked for more
wanleo to back track. However, she continued the questioning and advised him
oelars I
she would have to repo rt it and then
cam e clean and gave up the staff name as PC
Caparra and stati ng he had pictures o n nrs pnone she sent from Snapchat.
WAS
t,
asked if
ever showed her any pictures or evidence of the relationship
esa

f,tF*n

with!

f

f,

She was asked ifl
ever told her how many times he and PC Caparra were intimate, she said
"No." However, she stated "But the way he told me it seems like it was more than once, because
he said...she won't talk to me anymore and she cut me off." When asked why PC Caparra cut
off and stopped talking to him, she stated f
reported "He told me he asked her for
f

money.WhenaskedifsheeverthougntGmakingitup,shesaid..Well,lneverreally

thátl

had anybody tell me, like something like
did, and I felt like he had too many details,
and the way he had told me, it seemed like it hãd some validity to it." She also stated, in her line
of work regardless if she thinks it's true or not, she has an obligation to report ¡t.
oio
nor recar any orner qerars apour rne rnruar pnone
ùne
to fTleet wrln
"a,,telling
aftei the incident was reported. slre recalls
she filed a report and she
did not want to talk about it anymore. She only wanted to talKãfout his substance abuse issues.
She
making stâtements abouigetting paid and suing the County. However, she
would redirect the conversations and discuss his progress on Aftercare.

,rornl
Jtnat

I

I
conun-ueq

recalledl

PC Caparra professionally or personally,
They would just say hi in passing and she cou
ever re
else at
the relationship to a
recalls telli ng her colleague
feedback as a fellow col
told her she should consult her supervisor and make a report.

told her he was having a relationship with so
but when she
d him for more details or a name he would never tell her. Accordin gto
wou d state he is seeing a counselor from the Ranch
reports
pictures,
phone
never
her any
numbers or social media info rma on
ere called

 just bragging ab out it, so she told him to stop bringing it up if he wasn't going to give her
more details about it. She recalledf saying he was éoiñg to Santa Cï)2, Cn. alot because
his father lived there b ut didn't realizG PC Caparra also lived in Santa Cruz CA. When asked to
recall times where sh e observed
with PC Caparra, she could not recall any specific
observations or incide nts. She stated she thought these were all different kind of kids. She
recalled
lived in Hollister and she ust saw him on Aftercare and th ey usuallv met at
Starbucks or a S ubway sandwich shop.
recareo wn"e
were at
and
the Ranch there was some kind of anim
the two of them but she could not recall
what it was about. She said
showed her anything inappropriate regarding PC
Caparra.
stated
recall any other information

I

I

f

!

ffiternalAffairslnvestigatorDanielCortezmetwith

at the Juvenile
supervrsor
IS
nown as
Hiil
he
nce
and reports to
rapy, crisis intervention, family
ude individualand group
case
management for youth at James Ranch. Her schedule varies based on clients needs but is
usually Sunday through Thursday
Rehabilitation Facili

James Ranch. Also resent at th e interview was

engagement.

#'ï'J,"J^:[ii::;l"î,îfl

#.i:l:,'f ü?fJüFF,"?ri.'ff i:':,iî'J#,::eil,'ftî:

sharp, above average intelligence, capable, gregarious, but also refuctant to participate." When
asreo ¡f
eveiflirted wlth her or test any pñysical boundaries, she stated "No."

I

andl

When asked if she everobserved PC Caparra
togetheratthe Ranch, she stated "Yes."
stated "They would be on the bench whffiu first walk out of the dorm, sitting on the
bench fãõing the cafeteria, or walking around the blacktop." When asked if any of those
interactions appeared inappropriate, she said "No." When asked if she ever observed PC
Caparra and
walk in areas that were off limits or beyond staff supervision, she stated she
never recalled seeing them in unauthorized areas. When asked if she observed them in the café,
she said "Yeah, Yeah." She never saw anything inappropriate or that would raise any concerns.
She mentioned PC Caparra's counseling
aþþeáreO to be excessive for someone that's
not his counselor. When asked if she overhearcfany conversations related to those counseling
sessions, she stated "No." When asked if she everobserved PC Caparra
Outside thé
"No."
Ranch. She said
When asked if she ever interacted with PC iaparra atlEãtãmes Ranch,

I

I

ótI

andl

 she said "Yes." She described those interactions as "Friendly, water-cooler stuff." She recalled
PC Capana being a security floater and helping her diffuse a minor that was having some anger
issues, but could not recall anything specific that would be relevant to this investigation. When
asKeo rf PC Caparra ever spoKe
or menuon"o
oursroe of rne Rancn, sne saro
"No." She recalls PC Caparra talkingãfout attending sonre festivalwith her son during her brief
interactions with her.

ottl

I

it stemmed from a couple of times in Charlie Pod, he would make sure to have his shirt off and
lower his shorts a little bit, not to shor¡v me anything, but just like, an Abercrombie & Fitch you
Know...srance.
*ou,o mane éye contacl wnn ner. ano rry ger ner
slaleo
attention. She stated it was never physical but it made her feel very uncomfortable. She closed
by saying she didn't know if it was intentional or malignant more of a coping mechanism because
he had some issues as a child.

I

I

was asked if she ever observed
and PC Caparra atthe Ranch, she said "Yeah, a
mes that I recall." She went on to say rn a ll the instances where she saw PC Caparra
counseling
or any other minor she believed it was with the ntention of helping them. She
stated "l mean I didn't find them in a closet you know... what I mean." When asked what she
observed in relation to
and PC Caparra, she did not recall PC Caparra counseling

I

was asked to describe how she learned about the a llegati ons
reported, she
reca
reached out to her for g uidance because
could not get a
hold of h er su
ron
weekend. After speaking with
said she called
Ranch Supervisor Sal Heredia because he was the
Pod where
was nouseo She reported Mr. Heredia was going to notify his manager. She then
contacted DPO Vento and made her aware of the report. When asked why she notified DPO
Vento, she said it was out of concern, because Probation Officers go out in the field and she knew
Ms. Vento would have further contact
and she wanted Ms. Vento to be accompanied
for her own safety.

I

with!

repo
"Not at all how that went down it was on a weekend and looking back

a

 really charged thing to happen, right? When I called her I said, 'Hey, I've
called Mr. Heredia, but ljustwanted you to know.'You know'he's aware,
the manager's aware, but please be careful."

asked if there is anyone else I should talk to that could help regarding this
Iinvestigation.was
She mentioned ChristopherTieh, because PC Caparra

and Christophershared an

office in QA.
was asked if she had any contact with PC Ca rra srnce the allegations were reported,
stated "Right when we got the allegation,
texted Ms. Caparra and said
ease
I me...' and then she wasn't sure if she had
umber, and I said. 'Well, let me
check,' and so I called PC Caparra, and said 'Call
as soon as you can.' But I don't
remember if like, I texted, to be honest. I was more na,
to come down."

stated she no longer had those text messages or PC Caparra's phone number, she
Ilooked on her
phone but could not find them. When asked if she spoke to PC Caparra

on the
phone, she said "No." She recalls just texting her but never getting a response. When asked if
the phone number she texted PC Caparra from, was her work or personal cell phone number, she
said both and provided the phone number she used to text PC Caparra that day to this
investigatot
could not recall anything further related to the investigation.

I

On April 13,2017, lnternal Affairs lnvestigator Kevin Hebb met with Ms
at the
rsuurrçu Ðrrç rr the m
lnternal Affairs office located at Adult Probation. I
a former
probationer,
I I who was committed to the Juvenile Rehabilitation F acilities (the Ranch)

Clarifying her statem"nt, f
stated she first knew I
was involved with someone
because when he was released from the Ranch in March of 2016, he mentioned "that someone
was interested in him." However, she "laughed it off." She remembered asking I
if it was a
male or female, and then wondered if it was someone she had already met, notr-rng she had

 attended several meetings at the Ranch, including an Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meeting.
noted she was concerned about his relationship, but "didn't take it too seriously." She
Iwas not certain
person.
of the level of interaction he was having with

the
She stated, she did not
know at the time if he was having sexual relations with the person. What she did know was PC

1]gpgrrawasincontactwithfandshortlyaftergettinll.',n"HCaparraasked

Fnot"o

she knew it was a violation of his Ranch releaForders,
secretive about going to the

' "fi r

game.

was being very

untit!

Itwas not
came home and found the business card of the Sheriffs detective on her
door that she learned more. She said she called the detective back, and subsequently met the
detective the following day. During her conversation with the detective, she showed the detective
iedas

Êåï:"ffå:'3i:::'["*"Hm3l:ffi ,il[i;,.:',i:åî:;;'nffi 5äsoÊrsrq¡dentif

shespokewith andencouragedhimtobehonestwiththeo"."..,u"fiwasnot
forthcoming at that time.

withl and the detective, but she learned later he
Fe said I was concerned about retaliation.

She noted she was not present in the room
did not divulge anything during his interview.

jìi#i,:ii,':ll"Ç"m-1,";:¿l:,*i:Ti:l"*xT:ffi :i
Ëffi,i3fr
trif,1å""*î
saidl
to realize whatÏad hapbened to h¡mGwrong, given PC Caparra
c.?.me
Iwas a person in a position
of authority. However,I

could not meet with the detective due to
"extenuating circumstances." She said she had sfnce come to know another boy, whom she
was also involved with PC caparra As
reared the situation

f:ilil:i

ãi"__,Ç

such,I

important for his own healing. She noted the stigma of being victimized, especially from a female

 and lgglg
sexual predator. Saying I
were victimized as well. She believéS I

both involved shows there may be others who
coming forward and being forthcoming with
information not only helps himself, but helpSother youth by protecting them from potential abuse
funner srareo sne nõpeoI wouro snare rne
oy someone rn a pós,r,on oi aurnorny
I
photos of him kissing PC Caparra with Probãtl-lon lnvestigators.

wnen rne reraiionsnrp berwe"nl ano PC Caparra began. Sne knew
IItwas somewastimenolcertarn
while he was at the Ranch. She recalled when he was released from the Ranch
in March of 2016, he stated someone was "really interested" in him; however, he "laughed it off."
had major heart surgery. As such, her focus
She further reported, after he was
was getting her son healthy and off of Probatiõn She said never in her "wildest dreams" did she
imagine someone responsible for taking care of him at the Ranch would have victimized him.

releas.d,l

further,I

When queried
reported! did not attend the Sacramento Kings game as he
had requested to do. She noted, it was early in his Probation, and he was still compliant at that
time with his orders and conditions as he wanted to get off Probation. Further, she said she
had texted his address to PC Caparra, and they had spent
learned around the same time,
ume rn rne Los Garos ,r"". Sn"-**veo rne encounrer was someume rn
stated, she could not say for certain all the things that happened betweenl and PC Caparra,
needed to tell his story to invéstigators.'She further sa¡dìî-was difficult having a
and as
conversation as a motherwith her son about his sexual relationship with a woman who was in her
¡O'r
said it would be better if
spoke with investigators rather than her.

I

Eoi 2016.-

such!

I

ff : ffi ïï

I

æ

ffi

i:i i:ì

ry

ffiï ï:i:i ff

HËffi :

Ë
%i 5 ä",:
#::
:
:
i
#'Jr
;
Ranch in the first place at it was not a program designdîõmeet his needs.
was
subsequently victimized by a staff member from the Ranch was leally sad" to her. lt maFes her
"sadder" to know it happened to someone else other than
expressed frrllg
frustration, saying the fact PC Caparra was on "paid administrative Leave... it's deplorable."
said shé nõped, by telling her story, investigators could stop what had been happeninll

I

I

Learningl

I

f

I
On April 19, 2017, lnternal Affairs lnvestigator Kevin Hebb met with
Correctional Facility in Milpitas, California.

f

I ,t the Elmwood

confirmed he was previously on Juvenile Probation with the Santa Clara County Probation
IDepartment.
He stated, while on juvenile Probation, he was committed to the James Boys Ranch
(the Ranch) in Morgan Hill, and was assigned to the C-Pod. He said he was at the Ranch for
approximately two and one-half months.
not certain when the relationship between he and PC Caparra began, but estimated it
IFeganwas
in February of 2016. He said he has "always been really charismatic" and it "just kind of
sparked her interest." He noted his mother is a therapist and his father is a "manipulative drug
addict," so he "picked up on those traits as well." He said he noticed her interest in him and he
"exploited that fact." He said PC Caparra was "pretty professional" for the first couple of weeks;

 however, she began to take him out of his pod more often and for longer periods of time to talk.
He believed PC Caparra wanted to help him at first, but after a while it changed.
When the two would talk, it was about "everything in general." He believed she was intelligent,
and he was intelligent as well, so "it just happened." He said it eventually escalated to "little
flirtations" and it began to become "a constant thing." ïhen he was released from the Ranch and
she gave him her phone number. They began to associate outside the Ranch "and itwas off from
therã."
statäd, when PC Caparia wóuld take him out of his pod at the Ranch, many staff
members would see them together alone, but always in public areas. Any time they had a
conversation or were together, it was in common areas.

I

he was not certain he was ever in a "relationship" with PC Caparra. He said he
Ihad a reported,
girlfriend at the time, someone he had been seeing on and off for approximately seven
years. He stated, at the time he was with PC Caparra, he was not with the girlfriend. I
said
his own drug addiction and the choices he was making interfered with his relationship wìth his

girlfriend. As such, he "needed someone to fall back on." Then there was PC Caparra, who gave
a sense of siability. PC Caparra "pressed the right buttons, so it worked.t
Iookìng back on the experience,l believes PC Caparra was manipulating him, butatthe time
it was happening he did not recognize it. She appeared to have a "nonchalant attitude" toward his
activities. He said he could be a "scumbag" and did not have to account for his actions "at any
said PC Caparra would show him preferential treatment such as bringing him food,
time."
drinks,-arrcf candy. He noted it was "innocent stuff'such as describe in the "sexual assault
pamphlets you get when you go in jail." However, even with her actions, he did not "think of her
any different." He said the "both used each other."

f

I

I

said he was not going to "come forward" about his experiences because he knew PC
@rrr" had a child. Howevér, when minor!1. came forward, he understood he needed to
"clear (his) conscience." He said looking back, he knew what happened was not right and that he
was "taken advantage of." He said he was no longer on drugs, so looking back he thought he had
"all the cards to play the game," but he now realizes he was just "flustered."

would ask to return to the pod to get his
with him. He said was "a minute here ,aml

, and she would go into

the pod

ere

reported he knew "everything" about PC Caparra's relationship with minorl I He
fñoteçthey
were "really good friends." He did not believe PC Caparra was aware ofhTs and
friendship.
approximately a month after he was released from the Ranch,I
I releaseo as werHe-sãio
ano rnev wouro assocrale wrrn eacn olner. He sarc¡ wnenl saw nm an-õ
togethesF.r,":i:ix*ï
!!,,,¡!aRarra
[T.:,å:',î':îîÌl,l;#l;: F,"m['Ët'â:ti;*
-was

Fd:lÎJ:"'o

 I

f

Feeling PC Caparra was dishonest about being with
started seeing PC Caparra's
"behavior for what it was." He said he began to manipulate her, throwing "little jabs at her" and
watch her lie about it. That is when he began to lose respect for her; howevçr he saw a "benefit in
meeting" so he remained involved with PÓ Caparra, as did
said PC Caparra
gave him money and attention. Being in the situation, he craved hei átténtion He said he could
not explain it as he was no longer in "that mindset," but there was "real sex involved" and both
boys took advantage of PC Caparra. He noted they were both taken advantage of as well.

minorll

I

said he believed there was one other individual that was involved in a relationship with PC
ICaparra,
but he could not "guarantee it." He said the person he suspected was much younger
thin he andl
He said Þc caparra appeared to be drawn to a certain ty¡g { individual, and
person
the
hFsuspected did not "fit like the criteria" for what he knew of her.I said he did not
know the individual's name, but knew him to be a possible Norteño with theÏ'!ãRname of I.
was not certain if other staff at the Ranch suspected he and PC Caparra were involved in
fanything.
He said a lot of the other staff did not treat PC Caparra well. There were also a lot of
male staff members who were clearly attracted to her but she did not care for their advances. He
, liked PC Caparra, and another staff he identified as
poorly because she rebuffed his advances. As such, a
PC
Caparra
[sic]treated
lot of staff took notice when she would
from his pod, making comments about her taking
him or other minors out again. However, he could not say if they suspected anything
inappropriate.

noted one staff member,

pull!

According to
all the minors in the pod wished to be pulled out of the pod by PC Caparra
because "she was a cool lady." He said she "definitely had some button issues," but overall she
"was cool." He said she made his "time at the Ranch a lot easier" as he could "pretty much do
whatever" he wanted.

I

PC Caparra was not assigned to his pod, but was instead in F pod. However, she
Iwas a noted
"floater" and as such would come to his pod from time to time. He said the F pod minors
were younger, and could be "assholes" toward her. As such, she seemed to go to the older boys
as a form of taking a break. He said the youth in F pod were "gnarly little kids" and they would
really frustrate her. So, he would spend time helping PC Caparra deal with her frustrations and
"made her happy."
reported he only received one OT from the Ranch priorto his release, and on that OT he did
Inot meet
or speak to PC Caparra. However, he said he was released from the Ranch four days
later, and on that day he spoke to her on the phone "all day" as well as texted her. He said, during
their relationship, she never provided him wiih drugs. Fur[her, he noted he only spoke
about his relationship with PC Caparra. He clarified and said there were a "couple of peopTe"ïe
and
knew about the relationship he and
were having with PC Caparra while at the
Ranch, but said they would never speak with investigators.

witnl

I

I

he never spoke about his relationship with PC Caparra because it was so unusual. He
fsaid hesaid
has heard about incidents in the prison system, but noted he was in the juvenile system,

and PC Caparra was a female staff having relations with a male ward. As such, he believed it

 was so unusual that no one would ever believe him. Therefore, he never spoke about it with
people. I
stated, while in Elmwood Correctional Facility, he had been approached by other
inmates wfo said they heard about what happened. However, he would tell them it was only a
rumor, and deny anything happened. He said he did not want to "put her on blast," and have
people know about her.

Hebb,I

ln speaking with lnvestigator
said he had come to realize what PC Caparra had done,
and knew how it had impacted him. He knew itwas wrong, and when he seeswomen who remind
him of PC Caparra, he feels "gross." He said he is ashamed of what he did with her, and that is
why he chose to speak out about it.
he still had pictures of he and PC Caparra. He said he had pictures of them kissing,
Ias wellstated
as of her tattoo. He said the tattoo is located on her back. He further reported he knew
who the artist was because he had tattoos as well. He said in order for investigators to get his text
messages between the two, a subpoena would be needed.

I

Upon being released from the Ranch
confirmed PC Caparra had asked him to go to a
Sacramento Kings game; however, he did not attend. He said she ultimately wentwith someone
she knew from Stockton, California. He noted, he believes PC Caparra was dating the man from
Stockton the whole time she was also
He said she would often
about
her problems with the other man.

seeingi

talk-toI

reported he had a video of he and PC Caparra at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. He noted he
Iwas drinking
at the time. He further stated she would take him out drinking when they were

together. He said they would ultimately end up back at her home where they would have sexual
iniêrcourse I
confirmed his father lived in Santa Cil)2, a couple of miles from PC Caparra.
He said he livédúith his father for onlv a few months before returninq to live with his mother. PC
Caparra had picked f
up from n¡å tatnefs house at least once.-! noted his father had
seen PC Caparra on one such occasion. He said his father had his own ãddictions, and as such
did not pay much attention to what! was doing.
he had spoken to his mother about his relationship. He said he never gave his
Imotherstated
many details about the relationship, but reiterated he had spoken to her before. He said
he would tell her in order to prevent him being accused of anything, just to cover his tracks. He
said he did not want to be caught for any "stupid things."
ln regard to his trip to Los Angeles for a conference,I said he really did go to the conference.
He said it was a terrible thing for him to do as he just went and got drunk and intoxicated with
various drugs. He said he felt horrible because the people he was with were truly leading a sober
life, yet he was completely intoxicated the whole time. He denied meeting PC Caparra in Los
Angeles.
reported he would meet with PC Caparra "a couple times a week." He said it was usually in
Ithe middle
of the night, as PC Caparra had a child. He said she would have to drive from Morgan
Hill to Santa Cruz àfter picking up her son. She would then calll
when she was home.

 toI it was in late March of 2016 when thev first had sexual intercourse. He said it
was right-aftã?Ëwas released from the Ranch I
said it happened at a parking lot in
got
together, he said PC Caparra was reluctant. He said he
Saratoga. That afternoon, when they
convinced her, saying "you're already here" and "(if)you're gonna have sexwith me, have sexwith
me." Again she wâs ieluctant, but wñenl æ¡O'n" was going to head home, she stopped him
and proceeded to perform oral sex on Flil They then eñgageO in sexual intercourse I
Accordino

noted, PC Caparra always insisted he use a condom when they had sex.

he and PC Caparra had sex in different locations, including her house and places he
IFnew.said
He said when they got together, it was for the purpose of having sex. He said it was

usualy !Ç Caparra who initiated the encounters. He said they would speak on the phone every
OrV I
said their encounters were dependent often on her schedule. As such, he said he diá
not seéKher out; he would do his thing until she would contact him. He said there were occasions
where he would "blow her off," saying he did so more that the number of times he agreed to be
with her.
It was around this timel
began getting back togetherwith his girlfriend. As such, he found he
did not like PC Caparra as much as before. TheV eventually stopped hanging out as much, at
saià! eiperienced the same
which time he noted PC caparra "started getting weird." I
thing. PC Caparra would threaten him by ðaying she wasEüìõTdalwäñõüThim. This causedl
to distance himself further, noting "she's the last thing I need." He said he felt she was trying to
bargain with him, but he knew she was in no position to do so. After PC Caparra began trying to
preüentI from breaking off the relationr'niO, I
realized he needed to keep éome-of the
things he had of her, such as the pictures on his phone.

I

stated there was one time he received money from PC Caparra. He said he gave her a
EãEür excuse at the time. She was reluctant, but uliimately gave in.
believed P-C Caparra
truly cared for him, "but it was just in a way that's not, like, normal." She was possessive of him.
He said he knew she had been "taken advantage of" when she was younger. lt was another way
in which he related to her. He said his experiences with trauma made him more empathetic of
her, and he truly sympathized with her. He said he began to feel he would "look out for her."

I

Ultimately,I believed PC Caparra was taking advantage of him in every way. He believed he
was wild ãnFspontaneous, and tnat made her féel yorngirg"¡n
oélleveo she needed to
feel better about herself, and she used him to feel that way. He thinkl5he even told a lady friend
about him. He also believed the man she was seeing in Stockton learned about their relationship
said PC Caparra continued to
because the man was able to see their texts to each other.
play to his weaknesses, and "pull" him in to a point where he thinks she ultimately wanted to be
seen in public with him, though not in places where they might be seen by people they knew.

f

I

telling someone at the Ranch about his relationship with PC Caparra. He said he
Idìcfnotrecalled
give details because he knew the person was a mandated reporter, so he had to "work

around it." He said he believed they suspected, but they could not prove it, so they did not say
said he
anything because they did not wan[ to ruin someone's career without any proof. I
would do such things because he had an ego, and he just wanted to say "look at me."

 Throughout the relationship,! said PC Caparra would instruct him to delete pictures and texts
between them, to which he usually followed her instructions. He noted there were a few things he
did not delete, and agreed to proúide them to investigators. ln conclusion,I again statðd ne
felt taken advantage of by PC Caparra. He said he has had time to think afout what happened,
and he sees how her "behavior played on (his) character assets." He said he does notwant herto
be considered a sex offender, but he understands what she did was wrong. He noted he was on
juvenile
Probation, and though an adult at the time, he was still under her jurisdiction as a Ranch
-Counselor.

Hesaidheknovüs!lwaslzatihetime,andassuchwhatshedidwasillegal.

f
f

said that was the only

reffiFê

was cooperating with investigators.

(second lnterview):

On May 22,2017, lnternal Affairs lnvestigator Kevin Hebb met with the witnesr, I
at the
provided lnvesiffir Hebb
lnternaiAffairs office located at Adult Probãtion. On that date, I
with three photographs of he and PC Caparra kissing (attffiment # 27). He noted the
photographs were taken the day they first engaged in sexual intercourse.

Additionally,I

provided a copy of the video he had previously reported having, showing he
is seeñ in the video
and PC Cäp-arra at the Sant a Cruz Boardwalk (Attachment +¿S).
drinking a large Coors's beer.
stated he thought he had aOOÍt¡oñãtiÏotographs, but could
not locate such.

I

I

stated he was familiar with PC Caparra's home, having been to the house a number of
Itimes to
have sex. He said he was unsure of the exact address, but reported the streets it was
located on. I
then drew a picture of the layout of PC Caparra's house, labeling locations
within the horne, as well as the placement of some furniture (Attachment #18).

PC Caparra Subject:
On June 29,2017 lnternal Affairs investigators Daniel Cortez and Kevin Hebb served PC Caparra
with Proof of Service forms. PC Caparra acknowledged receipt of the Statement of Allegations
made against her, Peace Officer Bill Of Rights (POBAR) Notification and Notice of lnterview. PC
Caparra signed and dated the forms and was instructed to report on July 13,2017 to answer
questions in a formal interview. On July 12,2017 this investigator received a phone call from
Christine McGuire, attorney representing PC Caparra, informing this investigator PC Caparra
resigned from the department on July 10,2017. Ms. McGuire also stated that PC Caparra would
not be reporting to the lnternal Affairs office to answer any questions. ïhis investigator contacted
Deputy Chief Diana Teves to inform her of the above.
CONGLUSION:
On September 6, 2016 Probation Counselor PC Caparra was placed on paid Administrative Leave
pending the outcome of both a criminal investigation as well as an administrative investigation
related to allegations of participating in an inappropriate relationship with an in custody minor.
Although this case was assigned to lnternal Affairs on September 6, 2016, the administrative
investigation did not begin until the completion of the criminal investigation.

 On March 15,2017, this investigator met with Detective Sergeant Sugey Jaimez from the Santa
Clara County Sheriff's Office to obtain investigative material related to the criminal case. lt was at
this time that Detective Jaimez advised this investigator that the Santa Clara County District
Attorney's Office declined to pursue criminal charges due to insufficient evidence. At this point,
the ad m n istrative i nvestigation officially com menced.
i

This investigator reviewed multiple pieces of evidence, including numerous DVD recorded
victim/witness interviews, CD's containing forensic analysis of PC Caparra's personal iCloud
account, PC Caparra's personal cell phone records, PC Caparra's AT&T billing information,
Fairmont Hotel receipt associated to PC Caparra, PC Caparra's AT&T extraction report detailing
texlvideo messaging, PC Caparra's Fertility Calendar captured from her iPhone, Copies of James
Ranch Bravo and Charlie Pod logs, Copies of James Ranch OT Furlough logs, Time Detailsheets
for PC Caparra, lncident Report detailir
re p o rted by p c J oe ; n ci d e n t Re p o rt
[ :iS
f flHïl,1¡
under the influence of alcohol reported by PC Nooristany, as well as Departmental Emails
admonishing PC Caparra for being alone with youth out of sight supervision from other staff, and
photographs taken by this investigator of the locations where the alleged sexual misconduct had
taken place at the James Ranch.

.:1i,ilJf*':ilîlifl

r

lr#l,f

î;

The investigation established that minorr l
land I
I were both romantically and
sexually involved with PC Caparra. There is acklìtiõnal infõrrnatfon that supports PC Caparra's
involvement with minors I
of her involvement could not be
I out the extent
"nd I the investigation
process that PC Caparra invented a
substantiated. lt was learned through
sophisticated method to disguise her true identity. For example, she used different aliases (a.k.a)
when communicating with the minors. Therefore, by deliberately concealing her identity it would
reduce her risk of exposure. This investigator discovered that the following aliases were used by
PC Ca arra and the minors to communicate with each other. PC Caparra used aliases
k.a.
(aka
a.k.
) when commun icati
with
and
one text
Emails and Sna

I

sea
n commun

I.(t.1."
messages.

arra rou
messages,
and lnstagram
used this aliases when communicating with Caparra through Email, an

t

ASES

le communicating with PC Caparra though

Snapchat.
with PC Ca parra

in communicating through text messages

Through the course of this investigation, the evidence established that PC Caparra had a Modus
Operandi "M.O." ln where, her distinct pattern comprised of identifying minors that would engage
in the same interests she had e.g. non GMO foods, Buddhism and Music. She developed a
rapporl relationship with the minors making them feel "special", by providing one - one counseling
away from the pod and bringing them Fast Food on occasion. She then exchanged her personal
Email, Snapchat account, lnstagram account and pe¡ggnal cell phone information with the minors.
Furthermoie, in the instanceiwith
she initiated an intimate relationship
subsequent to their release from the James Ranch. Äfter they grew weary or attempted to end
the relationship, respective
she would cry âno threaten to hurt herself if they
left her.

to!

and'!
f
andl

 An examination of the evidence suggests PC Caparra participated in gross misconduct with youth
at and away from the James Rancn. ln the case
sexual misconductwas
occurring côncurrently. Where in
havr-rng sexual intercourse with PC
Caparra during the same time period ancFeventuallylìscussed the sexualencounters they were
navrng wrrn PC Caoarra. Tne areqauons of sexuar mrsconoucr wrm
rno
*ere êo,e,y oaseo on
ano
sraremenrs. However.
rnvesugaror cor.rro nõr
substantiate those allegãIfons. Nonetheless, the investigation suggests the precedent PC
Pc caparia s acuons

bothl

f

;:lJilåüL:l;.; ",""1,îH

ofl anOlihe
anollere

!

Ëî:ì:^"'"tes

I
rn--rs

f

I

w''nr'*r

Thus, the focus of the investigation is in regards to the following issues:
1. D¡d PC Caparra violate the Department's Code of Ethical Conduct?

This investigation produced substantial and persuasive evidence supporting a finding that PC

that PC
ovu

C

rra's iPhone revealed and a pplication called
PC Caparra documented i
ces rn
or on
July 5'2016 PC Caparra wrote intimate
firms he had sexual intercourse with PC Ca parra on

,t

WAS

is identified

2016.

maoe srmrar slaremenrs wrrn Snenn s rnvesrgarors a nd this investigator
Ilregarding,"ntI
the sexualiéTationship he was having with PC Caparra. PC Capa rra's AT&T phone

records (attachmenls# 14 &16) shows that PC Caparra was communicating with
via text
message, phone call and social media applications, specifically Snapchat. ln ad
version of his sexual encounter with PC Caparra on July 2, 2016 at the Fairmont H
Jose CA were similar to the version he gave Sheriff's investigators, including where he states PC
Caparra p urchased two beers for him which he drank before they had sexual intercourse. ln
addition PC Caparra's iPhone applicatio
confirms she was intimate on July 2,
2016.

The Fairmont Hotel receipt (attachment#17) indicates that on July 2,2016 PC Caparra booked

 San Jose CA. Altho

room
date.

at the Fairmont

Hotelwho located a room rese
PC Caparra's name (
PC Nooristany on Ju
(attachment # 31). M
on ücrooer 7 2016, both confirm
from the social med ia site Snapchat.
attorney (attachment #1 9)

tr

I

ttltinor!

no video surveillance existed forthat

(gtql

on 07102116 in
port written by
on, according to an ln
from his furlough under the influence of alcohol
by PC Joe and PC Austin durino a home visitwith
aw pictures oi PC Caparra on
s cerr pnone
also provid ed those same photographs via his

f

was listed in PC Caparra's Snapchat Best Friends list (attachment#21)

as nuñõFiõïr rn ir-equency of contacI. I
was nouseo rn Cnanre Poq wrrn I
ano
according tothe Charlie Pod logswas pullecf oulby PC Caparra on one occasion (aÌtãchment

Tlîà,,'iJåìJlï.?ilfli:t[:3i?i?x'åH:::i""åi3H",5f,ïlîî'"ïåiil3l",iîli?ïiiîi
his last known address but received no response (attachment fÉ46).

F..,-['*x;H.ïff fåìi:;iîilt[:iJ;:lil"s"#fi 'f":ilyã:%ï:tJiiî
pod
(attachment
name to Sheriff's investigators. However, when reviewing the Ranch

logs

#36)

F,"*iì;:ì:,i::ffi :iîiff :lJå:ifl'¡"::i?."iï"iiî:, u'T,'cãparraAdditiona'v'
Based on the compelling evidence this investigation concludes that PC Caparra was engaging in
Prooarron Frero sneer onórogrãon
sexuar mrsconouct uu,tn I
I ano I I I
(attachment# 11) is similar to the Snapchat photogràþh. lt is evident that he was communicating

Moreover, PC Caparra refused to come in and answer any questions related to this investigation
after she was served with the allegations and a notice of interview date. ln addition, PC Caparra's
abrupt resignation leads this investigator to believe the statements of the victims, witnesses and
evidence obtained during this investigation are true.

Therefore, this allegation and the associated policy violations listed below are sustained.
Santa Clara County Probation Departments Administrative Services Procedure ManualPart 200, Section 220 - Code of Ethical Conduct
The Santa Clara County Code of Ethical Conduct states that public service is a public trust.

 ln keeping with, and incorporating the County Code of Ethical Conduct, Probation Department
employees are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the highest standards of
ethical conduct.
The Santa Clara County Probation Department believes the following core values are fundamental
to the success in realizing our mission and goals:

.

Our employees are the foundation upon which we provide quality services. We
emphasize unity, positive relationships and open communication. We respect our
employees by providing education, training, appropriate tools and developmental
opportunities.
We value and embrace diversity, cultural competence, respect and equitable treatment.
We strive for optimal performance through innovation and collaboration.
We conduct ourselves with honesty, integrity and accountability.

.
.
.

Professional and personal activities must be free of improper influence or the appearance of
improper influence. lnappropriate conduct includes, but is not limited to:

.
.
.
.

l.

Activity which is in fact or could reasonably be viewed as in conflict with one's official
duties;
Using County time, facilities, equipment, supplies or the badge, uniform, prestige or
influence of one's position for other than official purposes;
Accepting personal favor or personal financial gain for professional consideration;
Engaging in improper relationships with clients and/or their families. Staff with personal
and/or family relationships with clients should notify their Supervisor and the client's
assigned Deputy Probation Officer.

County Merit System Rules 425-301(a) (1)

"Violation of the County Charter, merit system rules and regulations, and written and published
departmental rules and policies which do not conflict with this article."

ll.

County Merit System Rules 425-301(b) (1)

"Guilty of gross misconduct, or conduct unbecoming a County officer or employee which tends to
discredit the County or County service."

lll. Gounty Merit System Rules 425-301(b) (2)
"Guilty of immoral conduct or criminal act."
2.Dad PC Caparra violate the Probation Departments Juvenile Ranches Procedures Manuel
PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) policy?

 The (PREA) policy prohibits sexual contact, sexual harassment and acts of sexually abusive
behavior among residents and/or between residents and staff, volunteers, contractors, interns or
official guests/visitors, regardless of consensual status.
P a¡t l2,Section 12.01 - PREA
POLICY STANDARDS BY CODE:
UU: Sexual Abuse of a resident bv a staff member, contractor, volunteer, intern, official,
ques/visitor: íncludes anv of the followinq acts. with or without consent of the client:

Probation Depa rtm ent J uven i le Ranches Proced u res Manual

#4. Any other intentional touching, either directly or through the clothing, of the genitalia, anus,
groin, breast, inner thigh, or the buttocks of another person, excluding contact incidental to a
physical altercation

#7. Contact between the mouth and any body

part where the staff member, contractor or volunteer
has the intent to abuse, arouse, or gratify sexual desire

#11. Any display by a staff member, contractor, volunteer, intern, or official guest/visitor of his or
her uncovered genitalia, buttocks, or breast on the presence of a client

#12.Voyeurism by staff member, contractor, volunteer, intern, or official guesUvisitor
V. Probation Department Juvenile Ranches Procedures Manual Part12, Section 12.01 (l) (A)
Zero Tolerance Policy- "Means by policy and practice the Department will not tolerate resident
sexual abuse of any kind in its facilities or in the community. All incidents of sexual contact,
sexual abuse, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct within its facilities shall be reported and
investigated and, if applicable, criminal charges may be filed. Disciplinary sanctions and penalties
shall apply to any violation of the policy to reinforce importance and deterrence. Consensual sex
between juvenile residents is not allowed in facilities and will be addressed by facilities'
disciplinary process."

The evidence indicates PC Caparra violated the Probation Department Juvenile Ranches (PREA)
policy, specifically part 12 section 12.01 page #7 UU (#'s4,7,11,12) and section 12.01 (l) (A)
Zero Tolerance Policy in where cell phone records obtained from_!Ç Caparra's iCloud account
show inappropriate pictures she sent from her cell phone to
cell phone via social media
site Snapchat displaying her buttocks (attachment #19 photo
addition, statements made
*nõr" they detail their sexual contact and sexual intercourse with PC Caparra
ano
onñilÏtr-ple ocrc¿rsr-rons. Specifically, with
at the James Ranch in the Café where she
pulled out his penis and "jerked" him off anclãt the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose CA and at his
home where they had sexual intercourse on multiple occasions. Additionally,
spoke
with Sheriff's detectives, he stated he and PC Caparra were at the greenhouse areaãfïhe James
Ranch and PC Caparra told him that
had to be careful because of PREA (Prison Rape
Elimination Act) PC Caparra told
to water the plants to make sure they had a legitimate
reason for being in that area.
thatwhen he walked into the greenhouse PC Caparra
pulled
followed him in
up his
bbed his buttocks, began kissing him and said she missed
him (attachment # 13 PREA tab)

ovl

I #flln
I

I

!

 

whenl

 states that he and PC Caparra had sexual intercourse on one occasion in the back of her
Ilcar (attachment
# 27 photographs ,2, 3), and at her residence on multiple occasions in where
drew sketches of PC Caparra's residence (attachment #18). Hence, the investigation
Idemonstrates
PC Caparra knowingly participated in sexual contact with I
at the James
Rancn ano nao sexuar rnrercourse wrrn oornl
anol oursroe an" r"ffiancn vroraüng
1

the Probation Departments PREA (Prison Rape Eliminalìõn Act).
ards to

this investigation establishes that PC Caparra was communicating with

(attachment 36)
resignation in lieu of appearing, for a formal interview to answer questions, can only lead this
investigator to speculate that PC Caparra's interactions with I*"re
improper.

Ñ"I;,i,iîî:?il".:åtÉ::i:i"Ji::;li::åï,3ulff

,Hïi','"*îff å::1"'

Therefore, this allegation and the associated policy violations in regards
are: Sustained

toll

andll

lV. Probation Department Juvenile Ranches Procedures Manual Part 12, Section 12.01
PREA POLICY AND STANDARDS BY CODE

-

"The Santa Clara County Probation Department is committed to providing healthy, safe and
secure custodial care for its juvenile residents to include azero tolerance standard towards all
forms of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and staff sexual misconduct within its facilities and
contracted programs in compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003.
This policy prohibits sexual contact, sexual harassment and acts of sexually abusive behavior
among residents and/or between residents and staff, volunteers, contractors, interns or official
guests/visitors, regardless of consensual status. The Department will immediately respond to
allegations, fully investigate reported incidents, pursue disciplinary action, and refer for
investigation and prosecution those who perpetrate such conduct."
De partment J uven i le Ranches Procedu res Man ual P a¡t l2,Section 12.01 - PREA
POLICY AND STANDARDS BY CODE
UU: Sexual Abuse of a resident bv a staff member, contractor, volunteer. intern, official,
ques/visitor: includes anv of the followinq acts. with or without consent of the client:

Probation

#4. Any other intentional touching, either directly orthrough

the clothing, of the genitalia, anus,
groin, breast, inner thigh, or the buttocks of another person, excluding contact incidental to a
physical altercation

#7. Contact between the mouth and any body part where the staff member,
volunteer has the intent to abuse, arouse, or gratify sexual desire

contractor or

 Any display by a staff member, contractor, volunteer, intern, or official guesUvisitor of his
or her uncovered genitalia, buttocks, or breast on the presence of a client

#1

1

.

#12.Yoyeurism by staff member, contractor, volunteer, intern, or official guest/visitor
V. Probation Department Juvenile Ranches Procedures Manual Part12, Section 12.01 (l) (A)
Zero Tolerance Policy- "Means by policy and practice the Department will not tolerate resident
sexual abuse of any kind in its facilities or in the community. All incidents of sexual contact,
sexual abuse, sexual harassment and sexual misconductwithin its facilities shall be reported and
investigated and, if applicable, criminal charges may be filed. Disciplinary sanctions and penalties
shall apply to any violation of the policy to reinforce importance and deterrence. Consensual sex
between juvenile residents is not allowed in facilities and will be addressed by facilities'
disciplinary process."
3. Were PC Gaparra's

actions in violation of the Juvenile Ranches Guidelines for Conduct

of Staff policy?
The Juvenile Ranches Guidelines for Conduct of Staff section Vlll state,

Probation Department Juvenile Ranches Procedures Manual - Part 02 - Section 02.03 (l) (10)
Guidelines for Conduct of Staff
#10. "We are a role models to the youth we serve. Staff shall ensure by their dress, language, and
behavior that they render a positive influence. Staff shall not develop social relationships with
youth once they have been released from custody absent special permission from Management."

withl

PC Caparra violated this policy when she developed inappropriate relationships
and
on anO off the James Ranch (attachment's #16, 19,20, and 21). These atÌãõFments

I

F:n'rg:i.lf"îå:ilil;'":'ì::lïi:i::å1;åå'jji"JJ:8":"Jî:iffiii.illl:,t"Ë:i,H

working as a "Floater." A position in where you are not directly working with the youth in a pod.
PC Caparra was conducting one on one counseling with these youth.

For example, PC Caparra counseled
15 times,
from 0212511 6 to 06125116 (attachmen
ln allthe
wrote a case note in the JAS case management syste

!

Irmes. ano
one rme
sessions PC Caparra never
esc
counseling sessions with
these youth or was questioned as to why she was pulling out these youth from the pod so
frequently. Furthermore, statements made PC Nooristany, PC Austin, PC Joe and DPO Vento
corroborate that PC Caparra was pulling these youth from the pod albeit without having to
document her so called "counseling sessions."
SEVEN

Moreover, on June 27, 2016 Probation Manager Robert Young sent PC Caparra an email
directing her not to be ilone with I
or any ither minor in unauthorized areas (Attachment #
40). Yet, she chose to ignore the directive and continued her clandestine relationships with these
minors.

 ;F,:ii*ïåå",::;i:f,ï,liïff
i:1t15;ËtÇ,i:[o'i"îHiiî?,åiJä
(attachment#21). Additionatty,f
ff :î."i,1[J"lixt,lnx¡ffi f J'i:ff :å"i:ïñ::,îiiff "î,i:ï:,i5
contacts

name came up in an interviewwith DPOVento,

statement.

Due to a lack of evidentiary support, this investigator could not sustain a finding in where PC
Ad d ition a rv,
ct *ìtn
co u,d not be
I
: I?J

:tr:ffi ?ji:i;lîr'"':î:iff

*:i :*o'

r I

Therefore, this allegation and the associated policy violation in regard
are: Sustained

f

r

toI

r

I,I

I

and

Vlll. Probation DepartmentJuvenile Ranches Procedures Manual - Part 02 - Section 02.03 (l)
(10) Guidelines for Conduct of Staff
"We are a role models to the youth we serve. Staff shall ensure by their dress, language, and
behavior that they render a positive influence. Staff shall not develop social relationships with
youth once they have been released from custody absent special permission from Management."

Vll. Probation Department Juvenile Ranches Procedures Manual - Part 01 - Section
01.04 (lV) (3) (c) Responsibilities of Probation Department Employees
"Professional and personal activities must be free of improper influence or the appearance of
improper influence. lnappropriate conduct includes, but is not limited to: Engaging in improper
relationships with clients and/or their families."
4. Did PC Caparra violate The Role of The Probation Counselor?

Vlll. Probation Department Juvenile Ranches Procedures Manual - Part 02 - Section 02.08
The Role of the Probation Counselor

.

(Vll) (G) (4) "Because texting creates a record, if communicating job details with co-workers
in this manner, youth must not be specifically referred to unless necessary and then by
initials only. Therefore, no specific physical characteristics or other identifiers should be
used to refer to youth nor to the facility.

.

(Vll) (G) (7) "Staff are not to discuss confidential information within the hearing distance of
youth or other non-authorized persons.

 Ëåïj;fJå'"iï[E:Í,iff

Ts::Håïffi trfi #åï:';"îîåî,"oHJi'i?iåt%î,il

work. Also a clear violation of this policy (attachment #45).

Therefore, this allegation and the associated policy violation in regard to
are: Sustained

I"ndl

Vlll. Probation Department Juvenile Ranches Procedures Manual - Part 02 - Section 02.08The Role of The Probation Gounselor

.
.

(Vll) (G) (4) "Because texting creates a record, if communicating job details with co-workers
in this manner, youth must not be specifically referred to unless necessary and then by
initials only. Therefore, no specific physical characteristics or other identifiers should be
used to refer to youth nor to the facility."
(Vll) (G) (7) "Staff are not to discuss confidential information within the hearing distance of
youth or other non-authorized persons."

 Teves, Diana
\rom:

Hardy, Jermaine
Tuesday, September 06, 20L6 2:L5 PM
Teves, Diana; Chu, Emi; Powell, Gregory
Garnette, Laura; Stevens, Cheryl
Re: PC Tricia Caparra's Admin. Leave
T. Caparra Admin. Leave Letter 9.6.2016.final.pdf; Incident Notificatíon
9.4.20L6.docx; SPC Major Incídent Memo sepl-6.docx

t

Sent:
To:
Cc:

Subject:
Attachments:

Hello,
Effective September 6,20L6, at approximately 8:00 am, Ms. Caparra was placed on paid administratíve leave pending
the outcome of an investigation. The Sheriffs case number is L6-248-031LG. Probation Manager Robert Young went
over the attached Administrative Leave letter and requírements. He also offered EAP services, which she stated she
intended to use after mentioning she does not have a strong support system. He subsequently gave her EAP's number
ln addition, her new contact number
I wíll forward the Adminístrative Leave letter to her union rep.
separately. Lastly, I have attached the lncident Notification report sent to the County and the Supervising Probatíon
Counselor memo for everyone's' convenience.

irIID.

Thanks,

Jemrsine Hordy
Ðcpr.¡ty Chief, lnstitulions Division

Sqnto Clors County Proboiion Derrorlmcnt

) 108.276.592t

:¡t

(.

!.'

1

 >> Hello Mr. Sierra,
>> I iust wanted to briefly

follow up on what we discussed eorlier. I catted CPS and made o report

i:il'm"1"#:tr::åi'J1:^:':;::i:,-;!:1,ï.ii;Å:!;:ry':#:l;"í'{å,"
report this incident. I remínded him of confidentiality laws ond PREA. upon hearíng thís he asked
me not to and was upset thot I would be informing the supervisors here at the Ranch about the
situation.

What I reported to

CPS

is as follows:

>>ThotminoQreportedtomethathehadbeensexuallyintímatewithoprabation
counselor from the Ranch (Coparra). He stoted he had been communicoting with her via
snapchat and was gett¡ng nude photos from
thot when he asked her for money
ond she wouldn't give it to him she "blocked" hím from everything and has not been in contact
with him since. "

her.Jsaid

 Gounty of Santa Clara
Memorandum
ì

ïo:

MichaelClarke, Probation Manager

From:

Edwín Sierra, WOOC Supervisor

-

Date: September 4,2016

James Ranch

Subject: Major lncident - James Ranch
On September, 4,2OL6, at approxímately 1130 A.M

minor

stated he had inapprop

reported to me

pictures

phone sent by PC

rra on

Caparra.

tolUfthat I would contact the Ranch Manager for guidance in this matter. I was unable to
-had
speakwíthProbationManagerClarkeanddecidedtocontactSPCLychakbefore}ftworkat1
I

P.M.sPcLychakadvisedmetohav[ontactCPS,andtodocumenttheinciclãntandprovideit
to me (ASPC Sierra).

linformeCoftheneedforthereRortfemaitedmeherreportoftheincidentwith
minorfllnd
information regarding tìffitacting Child Protective Services.lltated

tomethatshehadspokentoandadvisedheroftheincident.

ntacted this UO when she arríved on ranch and stated ihe had notified

SPC

redia of the incide
she wou

ng

to

as

to

I conduct in all instances where she saw PC Caparra counseling mí

IF

rvance

of

"tD

fronevas

The report
forwarded to Probation Manager
M. Clarke and DPC J. Hardy via email.
I

informedJr-tthat

discuss this confidential matter

the matter would be looked into and that we ask that they not
people
with
who have do not have a need to know.

The following is a copy of the email

L--O

rig i n a I M essag

e---

>> Sent: Sunday, September
>> To:
Edwin
>> Subject: Report

from

 absent
social relationships wíth youth once they have been released from custody
special permission from Management'"

- Part 02 - Section
lX. Probation DePartme nt Juvenile Ranches Procedures M anual
uct of Staff- Sustai
ines for
02.08 (v) (G) (7) -Gu
Not Sustained
.Staff are not to discuss confidential information within the hearing distance of youth or
other non-autho rized Persons."

- Part 02 - Section
X. Probation DePartme nt Juvenile Ranches Procedures Manua  
for Conduct of Staff' Sustained
Guide
02.08 (vll) (G) 4
in this
"Because texting creates a record, if communicating jo b details with co-workers
initials
bY
and then
manner, youth must not be sPecifica lly referred to unless necessary
should be used
identifiers
other
or
only. Therefore, no specific physical characteristics
to refer to Youth nor to the facilitY. "

-j

a. -- - --4-

-

 Gounty of Santa Clara
Probation Departrnent
Juvenile Division
840 Guadalupe Parkway
San Jose, California 95110

'-',.'-:..
-_

Admin istrative Offices

.sr

840 Guadalupe Parkway
San Jose, Califomia 95110

.

i.

.ì1o1.""¡.

Laura Garnette
Chief Probation Officer

September 6, 2016

Hand DelÍvered
Tricia Capana
5483 Soquel Drive
Soquel CA 59073

Subject Administrative Leave
Dear Ms. Caparra:
Effective September 6, 2016, you are placed on paid administrative leave pendíng the outcome of an investigation

This status willcontinue until further notice.
During the course of this investigation, your employment status will be as follows:

1.

During this leave, your wor( schedule will be Monday through Friday, 8:0b a,m. to 5:00 p.m. You are
instructed and expected to be available by telephone and/or to meet during these work hours, except the
holiday(s).

2.

You will remain away from the Department premises and worksites and will return only with permíssion or
instruction to do so by me.

3.

You will turn in your Gounty identification badge, the Peace Officer ldentification chrome badge, and any
County issued keys, pager, or cell phone.
lr

4. You willcall to check in with me at (408) 278-585a$pach and every work day between the hours of 8:00
a.m. and 8:30 a.m., exceptthe

holidälfd -r

You are further directed to refrain from discussing the pending investigation with anyone other than your
representative. This prohibition includes any pest or present employees and clients of the Department. Thís
directive includes all questions asked and answers given during the investigation. Failure to follow the directives
as outlined willjeopardize your paid status.
lf you should have any questions regarding this matter, you are to contact me immediately at (408) 27S-5854.
Sincerelv.

¡dzt ùrtw,r
g

Robert Youn
Probation Manager

c:

f

Jermaine Hardy, Deputy Chief Probation Officer
Diana Teves, lnternal Affairs Manager
EmiChu, Act¡ng Probation HR Manager
- Gregory Powell, Principal Labor Relations Representative
JoelGrabscheid, SEIU 521 PCSU Representative

Board of Supervisors: Mike Wasserman, Cindy Chavez, Dave Cortese, Ken Yeager, Joseph Simitian
County Executive: Jeffrey V. Smith

L

Tç
x .--Z'*,*t fLt