A 32-year-old Santa Clarita woman is facing serious allegations after deputies say she had an illegal sexual relationship with a teenage member of a local youth club, including lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14. The case has been turned over to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office to decide on potential criminal charges.
Arrest and allegations
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department identified the woman as Elizabeth Eiizarraraz, 32, and said deputies arrested her Thursday morning. According to investigators, parents raised alarms about what they viewed as an inappropriate relationship between their child and an adult, which triggered the investigation. Law enforcement told NBC Los Angeles that the teen first met Eiizarraraz at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita, where she worked, although her current employment status has not been clarified. The sheriff's department said the case is being forwarded to the district attorney for review.
At the club
The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley prominently emphasizes child safety and mandatory reporting obligations on its website. According to the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley, employees are required to immediately report any suspected abuse. The organization also outlines its use of background checks and other safety measures for staff and others working directly with children.
Legal implications
Detectives say the alleged behavior falls under California Penal Code section 288, which covers lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 and is charged as a felony. A conviction under that statute can result in years in state prison and can require registration as a sex offender, with the precise punishment depending on the specific counts and evidence established in court, according to the California Penal Code.
What happens next
The sheriff's department says detectives are still gathering information and has urged anyone with knowledge of the situation to contact the Santa Clarita Valley Station. Eiizarraraz was booked into custody and, as the sheriff's office told NBC Los Angeles, the district attorney's office will determine whether to file formal charges. Authorities have not yet released details on a possible arraignment date or bail.
