An 11-year-old Buckeye girl’s report to police this week has landed a Maricopa County detention officer behind bars, accused of repeatedly sexually abusing her over more than a year. Buckeye police say 36-year-old detention officer Isidro Caro, who the child had known for more than a year, was arrested with help from the U.S. Marshals Service and booked on multiple felony counts, including child molestation, sexual abuse and sexual conduct with a minor. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has placed him on administrative leave while the investigation plays out.
According to AZFamily, Buckeye police received a report on Thursday that triggered the investigation. The outlet reports that officers believe the abuse went on for more than a year and that Caro, a Buckeye resident, was taken into custody on Friday and booked into jail on the felony counts.
As reported by ABC15, Buckeye officers say the U.S. Marshals Service assisted with Friday’s arrest. Authorities have not released further details about the case, and ABC15 notes the charges listed against Caro are child molestation, sexual abuse and sexual conduct with a minor.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it has placed Caro on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, AZFamily reports. A booking photo was not immediately available, according to the station.
Detention Officer Arrests and Staffing Concerns
Caro’s arrest lands at a rough time for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, which has been wrestling with significant detention officer shortages that advocates and county leaders say complicate everything from basic oversight to training inside the jails.
The agency has also dealt with prior high-profile misconduct cases. In 2023, another detention officer was arrested on accusations of smuggling methamphetamine and fentanyl into a jail, according to the Associated Press.
What Happens Next
The allegations against Caro remain just that for now. Being booked into jail does not mean he is guilty, and the case will move through the county’s criminal justice system like any other felony investigation.
Buckeye police and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office are expected to review the investigative file and decide whether to file formal charges. Authorities are withholding additional details while the investigation is active, as reported by ABC15.
For now, officials say the case remains open and ongoing, with only limited information being released. This story will be updated as court records or new official statements become available.
