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O.C. jail cook arrested for allegedly groping female inmate

A cook at the Orange County jail in Santa Ana was arrested on suspicion of sexual battery after he allegedly grabbed a female inmate’s breasts while she helped him in the kitchen, authorities said Wednesday.

James Arroyo, 54, was arrested Monday at work, said Orange County Sheriff’s spokesman Jim Amormino. Arroyo, a six-year jail employee, worked in the kitchen where he supervised several women inmates.

“We don’t know if there are other victims," Amormino said. "We know indeed that’s a possibility.”

Authorities also are investigating whether the Fullerton man engaged in other inappropriate activity with female inmates. They found pictures of former inmates and text message exchanges with former inmates on his cellphone, Amormino said.

Authorities also believe Arroyo put his own money into inmate accounts, he said. Although not against the law, it is against department policy.

Arroyo, who has been placed on administrative leave, was released Tuesday after posting bond, according to sheriff’s department records.

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