Cochise County Detention Officer Jose Brian Moreno was arrested on Monday, Sept. 9, by the Sierra Vista Police Department for unlawful sexual conduct with an inmate.
The Sierra Vista Police Department conducted an investigation into the matter at the request of the sheriff’s office.
The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) requested investigative assistance from the Bisbee Police Department and the Sierra Vista Police Department (SVPD) on Sunday, Sept. 1, after being informed of an allegation of sexual conduct between Moreno and a female inmate.
The investigation determined the conduct was consensual; however, Arizona law prohibits a detention officer from intentionally or knowingly engaging in any act of a sexual nature with an offender who is in the custody of a county jail.
Detention Officer Moreno was arrested on Monday, Sept. 9, for two counts of unlawful sexual conduct and was booked into the Cochise County Jail. Officer Moreno resigned from his position with the sheriff’s office effective Sept. 9.
After Moreno’s arrest, Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels said he was disappointed and frustrated with “this officer’s decision to violate his oath of office and community trust. As guardians of public safety and those we serve, our success comes through the continued earned trust and respect performed daily by each one of you. Acts of indiscretion and illicit-unethical behavior only tarnish the many good acts we perform daily.”