Civilian worker arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs into Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall

DOWNEY — A civilian contract worker was arrested Monday for allegedly attempting to smuggle narcotics into Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, the Los Angeles County Probation Department announced.

Alejandro Lopez, an employee of the non-profit organization Student Nest, was taken into custody June 30 by the department’s Intelligence and Investigative Services Unit while on duty inside the facility.

Investigators observed Lopez engaging in suspicious activity around 11:30 a.m. and detained him for further evaluation. Authorities said they recovered more than 170 white pills in his possession.

Lopez was arrested without incident. He is expected to be booked on charges of possession of a controlled substance in a juvenile institution and child endangerment, officials said.

“This type of behavior is unacceptable and represents a clear threat to the safety and well-being of the youth and staff in our institutions,” said Guillermo Viera Rosa, chief probation officer for L.A. County. “We are grateful for the swift action of our investigative team and our law enforcement partners. We remain committed to ensuring a secure environment for youth, staff, and our community partners.”

The case remains under active investigation, with support from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents Downey and the surrounding area, issued a sharply worded statement in response to the arrest.

“To say I’m horrified and disappointed is an understatement,” Hahn said. “We have an incredible duty and opportunity with the young people in our custody at Los Padrinos, to care for them and provide the environment they need to thrive.

“If someone hired to provide services to our incarcerated youth is able to allegedly smuggle hundreds of illicit pills into this facility and endanger their health and chance at rehabilitation, we are failing miserably.

“We need answers about how this was allowed to happen. Yet again, it’s clear that something in the culture at Los Padrinos is not working.”

No further information was released.