BENTONVILLE -- A judge set bond at $5,000 Friday for a former Benton County Sheriff's Office deputy accused of having sexual contact with a female inmate.
Adrian Rivero, 34, was arrested Wednesday in connection with fourth-degree sexual assault, a felony punishable with up to six years in prison. Prosecutors haven't filed formal charges against Rivero.
Rivero appeared in court Friday morning where Circuit Judge Brad Karren set his bond. His arraignment is scheduled for 8 a.m. June 27 in Karren's court.
He was released from custody Friday after he posted the bond.
Rivero had worked for the Sheriff's Office for 14 or 15 months, according to a probable cause affidavit. He was fired Wednesday, according to a Sheriff's Office news release.
The investigation began Wednesday morning when another deputy reported a former inmate said Rivero was having an inappropriate relationship with a female inmate, according to court documents.
The former inmate reported Rivero and the female began an inappropriate relationship in the jail about a week ago.
The female inmate was questioned, and she said one day Rivero complimented her for her beauty and they had flirted with each other, the affidavit states. She said Rivero was standing by a door, and she touched him inappropriately as she walked by.
The female inmate also reported she and Rivero kissed in the ministry room, the affidavit states. There are no cameras in that room.
Rivero said the situation began when the female inmate left a note in his shirt pocket, according to court documents. He admitted sharing one kiss with the woman and letting her brushing against him inappropriately, the affidavit states.
Rivero said he knew it was wrong to have a relationship with an inmate.
NW News on 05/21/2016