Second Female Ex-Corrections Officer Charged for Sex with Teen Inmate

Ariah Rivera, 22, faces multiple counts of sexual misconduct and trafficking with an inmate at the Lake County Juvenile Detention Center.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 7:28pm

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A second former female corrections officer, Ariah Rivera, 22, has been charged with having sex with a juvenile inmate at the Lake County Juvenile Detention Center. Rivera is facing three counts of sexual misconduct and one misdemeanor count of trafficking with an inmate. She is currently in custody and a hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual abuse and misconduct by corrections officers against vulnerable inmates, especially minors in the juvenile justice system. It raises concerns about the need for stricter oversight, training, and accountability measures to prevent these types of incidents from occurring.

The details

According to court records, Rivera worked at the Lake County Juvenile Detention Center from April 2024 to January 2025. The investigation began after a juvenile inmate was caught with a cell phone, and he told authorities that a corrections officer, Donald Robinson, had provided it to him. This led to the discovery that Rivera and another former corrections officer, Andrea Rebeles, were both having sexual relationships with juvenile inmates who were "best" friends. Robinson was fired but is facing separate charges. Rivera and Rebeles both resigned and are facing criminal cases. Investigators found a note in one of the victim's cells that read "I love you!!!" and had a kiss mark, which was traced back to Rivera. The victims, who were 16 and 17 years old at the time, said Rivera provided them with contraband like "weed pens," "vapes," and fast food in exchange for sex, which took place in various locations within the detention center, including the supervisor's office.

  • Rivera worked at the Lake County Juvenile Detention Center from April 2024 to January 2025.
  • On January 15, 2025, a juvenile inmate was caught with a cell phone, leading to the investigation.
  • Rivera quit her job in January 2025.

The players

Ariah Rivera

A 22-year-old former corrections officer at the Lake County Juvenile Detention Center who has been charged with three counts of sexual misconduct and one misdemeanor count of trafficking with an inmate.

Donald Robinson

A former corrections officer at the Lake County Juvenile Detention Center who was fired after admitting to providing a cell phone to a juvenile inmate, though he denied providing a vape pen. He is facing separate charges.

Andrea Rebeles

Another former corrections officer at the Lake County Juvenile Detention Center who was having a sexual relationship with a juvenile inmate, according to the investigation.

Victim 1

A 16-year-old juvenile inmate who was having a sexual relationship with Andrea Rebeles.

Victim 2

A 16-year-old juvenile inmate who was having a sexual relationship with Ariah Rivera.

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What they’re saying

“I better not snitch, or else”

— Victim 2, Juvenile Inmate

What’s next

A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday to determine if Ariah Rivera will be held without bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual abuse and misconduct by corrections officers against vulnerable inmates, especially minors in the juvenile justice system, and the need for stricter oversight, training, and accountability measures to prevent these types of incidents from occurring.