Venturan arrested in crimes against Santa Barbara County jail inmates

A Ventura man was one of two former Santa Barbara County jail employees arrested on suspicion of crimes committed against inmates while working at the jail.

The arrests were made as the result of an investigation that began in August 2018 and involved sexual misconduct allegations between the employees and inmates. The two employees, identified as Salvador Vargas, 34, of Santa Maria and Gabriel Castro, 47 of Ventura, were both placed on leave the next month.

On Friday, the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office issued arrest warrants for both suspects. Vargas and Castro were arrested on suspicion of felony sexual assault and sexual activity with a person in custody, also a felony violation, according to authorities. Vargas was booked into Santa Barbara County jail and Castro was booked into Ventura County jail. Bail was set at $100,000 for each.

Investigation into the crimes is ongoing. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 805-681-4150.

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Jeremy Childs is a breaking news and public safety reporter covering the night shift for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached by calling 805-437-0208 or emailing jeremy.childs@vcstar.com.

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