A woman who was previously held at a Riverside County jail is accusing a sheriff’s correctional deputy of using her personal information to contact her after she was released and attempt to start a relationship, according to a legal claim filed against the county.
The claim, submitted April 29, alleges that corrections deputy Yash Patel, a 30-year-old civilian employee with the Sheriff’s Department, accessed Summer Johnson’s confidential information from a jail database at the Robert Presley Detention Center on March 5. The filing contends that the information was used for personal reasons unrelated to any legitimate law enforcement duties.
Johnson’s attorney, Jamal Tooson, said his client received multiple calls from a blocked number the following day, beginning early in the morning and continuing into the afternoon. When she answered, the caller identified himself as Patel and told her he had seen her at the jail during her release, adding that he wanted to take a chance and reach out.
Johnson had been in custody in connection with a domestic-related incident, her attorney said. During the call, Patel allegedly made comments about her appearance and clothing from the time she was released.
According to Tooson, Johnson became increasingly concerned when Patel referenced details about her personal life, including her residence and the vehicle she drives.
The claim states that Johnson has experienced significant emotional distress following the interaction, citing fear, anxiety and the imbalance of power tied to Patel’s position within the Sheriff’s Department. She remains worried about possible retaliation, her attorney said.
Patel has been placed on paid administrative leave while the department conducts an internal investigation. Officials declined to comment further, citing the ongoing inquiry and potential litigation.
Separate from Johnson’s allegations, Patel was arrested in Jurupa Valley one day after the alleged contact, though authorities said the arrest was tied to a different incident. He was booked on suspicion of sexual battery and false imprisonment while off duty, posted bail, and was released the next day.
Sheriff Chad Bianco later confirmed that the arrest involved allegations that Patel contacted another woman following her release from custody. He said investigators are reviewing whether there have been additional similar cases.
“We are still investigating,” Bianco said in a statement, noting that authorities have spoken with multiple individuals Patel may have contacted. At this stage, he said, no broader criminal conduct involving other employees has been confirmed.
Bianco also pushed back on claims circulating online that suggested multiple deputies were involved in coordinated misconduct, calling those allegations unfounded.
Johnson has cooperated with investigators, according to her attorney, who said authorities reached out after finding her contact information during the course of their investigation into the March 7 arrest.
Tooson said communication between Johnson and Patel later moved to social media, where messages were exchanged. Johnson documented those conversations to preserve records, he said.
The attorney noted similarities between Johnson’s case and a previous lawsuit he handled involving another Riverside County resident. In that case, the county reached a $375,000 settlement over allegations that a deputy improperly used law enforcement resources to pursue a personal relationship.
Tooson said the latest claim raises broader concerns about conduct within the department, suggesting there may be a pattern of boundary violations involving individuals in custody or recently released.
