Deputy Arrested After He's Accused Of Having Sexual Contact With Female Inmate

RANCHO CUCAMONGA (CBSLA.com) —  A Sheriff's Department deputy has been arrested after being accused of having sexual contact with a female inmate, authorities said.

On Tuesday, the Sheriff's Department received information about a  possible sexual misconduct between an on-duty sheriff and a female out-of- custody work release inmate.

A criminal and internal investigation was launched immediately, officials said.

Authorities identified the deputy as Armando Espinoza and placed him on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal and administrative investigations.

Espinoza, 45, was arrested and booked into the Central Detention Center on Thursday. He was hired as a deputy in 2006.

"This criminal conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon said.

The Peace Officer's Bill of Rights -- a law that protects privacy of those involved in personnel actions --  does not allow the department to release details of the department's internal investigation into this matter.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Specialized Investigation Division at (909) 387-3589.