A corrections deputy employed by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has been taken into custody following an investigation into alleged misconduct that occurred while he was off duty.
Authorities said 29-year-old Yash Patel was arrested Saturday in Jurupa Valley after detectives from the department’s Special Investigations Bureau completed an inquiry into allegations involving sexual battery and false imprisonment.
According to the sheriff’s office, Patel joined the department in July 2021 and had most recently been working at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside.
Following his arrest, Patel was placed on administrative leave with pay while the department conducts an internal review of the allegations.
Sheriff’s officials emphasized that claims of employee misconduct are handled seriously and investigated thoroughly.
“The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office maintains strict standards for professional conduct,” the agency said in a statement. “Any allegations involving personnel are carefully reviewed.”
Patel is scheduled to appear in court on April 20 at the Riverside Hall of Justice. Details regarding bail had not been released at the time of the announcement.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have additional information related to the case to contact Investigator Cardinale at 951-955-1700.
