A Department of Juvenile Justice employee at Pompano Youth Academy was arrested Monday following a late-Sunday allegation that he sexually battered an inmate, according to law enforcement. Authorities identified the employee as 32-year-old Jess Delgardo, who was taken into custody and is being held at the Broward County Main Jail while detectives investigate. The arrest has renewed questions about oversight at youth detention sites in Broward County.
According to the Broward Sheriff's Office and as reported by Local 10, the allegation against Delgardo was reported at about 10 p.m. Sunday. Delgardo works at Pompano Youth Academy at 3090 North Powerline Road in Pompano Beach. Broward Sheriff's Office deputies and Special Victims Unit detectives responded to the DJJ facility and arrested him on charges that include sexual battery by a person in a position of authority and sexual misconduct between detention facility employees and inmates, the outlet reported.
Charges and legal context
Florida law specifically criminalizes sexual misconduct between detention facility employees and inmates at F.S. 951.221. The statute treats that conduct as a third-degree felony and states that consent may not be raised as a defense. Sexual battery and the elements that define more serious sex-offense classifications are set out in Chapter 794 of the Florida Statutes, including the definitions found at F.S. 794.011.
Context and oversight
The arrest is the latest personnel case to draw attention locally. A Broward Sheriff's Office detention deputy was fired in March after his arrest on sexual battery allegations, according to NBC6. Incidents involving staff and residents at detention or juvenile facilities often trigger internal reviews, administrative action and renewed scrutiny of hiring and supervision practices.
What officials say and what's next
Local 10 reports that Delgardo was being held at the Broward County Main Jail and was expected to appear in bond court later Monday, and that the Broward Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation. The station also reported that it has requested a copy of Delgardo's arrest report. Detectives with BSO’s Special Victims Unit are leading the ongoing investigation.
