VISALIA, Calif. — A former Tulare County probation officer has been arrested for allegedly engaging in inappropriate contact with a 15-year-old girl, according to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigation and Arrest
Authorities identified the suspect as 28-year-old Maricsa Banuelos of Visalia. The investigation began on November 5, when a parent reported that their teenage daughter had been communicating with an adult woman through text messages.
Detectives say the messages between Banuelos and the teen revealed explicit intent to meet for sexual purposes. Following the report, investigators collected evidence and moved forward with an arrest.
Banuelos was booked into the Tulare County Jail on felony charges related to the alleged contact. She has since been released from custody, according to jail records.
Employment Terminated Prior to Arrest
Banuelos had been sworn in as a Tulare County Probation Officer in July 2024, according to a post on the department’s official Facebook page. However, officials confirmed she was terminated in November, prior to her arrest.
The Tulare County Probation Department stated that Banuelos is no longer employed with the agency and that it is cooperating fully with the ongoing criminal investigation.
Ongoing Investigation
The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate whether any additional victims or incidents may be connected to Banuelos. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the sheriff’s office.
This case remains under active review by county prosecutors.
Stay with HonkNews.com for verified updates on this developing story and ongoing coverage from Tulare County law enforcement.