HOUSTON – A former correctional officer with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department has been arrested and is facing multiple charges involving a 16-year-old juvenile victim.
Yuliana Mares, 40, is charged with Violation of Civil Rights of a Person in Custody/Improper Sexual Activity, a first-degree felony, and Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact, a second-degree felony.
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What Happened
The investigation, led by the Office of Inspector General at TJJD, began in April following an incident that allegedly occurred in February.
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Investigators say that while working as a Juvenile Correctional Officer at the Evins State Juvenile Correctional Facility in Edinburg, Mares inappropriately touched the genitals of the 16-year-old male inmate.
Following the investigation, Mares was arrested and formally charged.
Anyone can report allegations of misconduct to the Incident Reporting Center by emailing a complaint to TJJD.IRC@tjjd.texas.gov or by calling the 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-866-477-8354.