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California Therapist Charged After Prosecutors Say She Groomed Juvenile Patient; Teen Reported Missing

The criminal case, a civil claim against Contra Costa County and the teen’s disappearance have intensified scrutiny of supervision and safeguards for youth in county custody.

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An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Sofia Ann-Buitron Drotts standing on a pier, smiling at the camera with a beach and ocean in the background, Image 2 shows Sofia Drotts in a red dress and graduation stole, holding her graduation cap, Image 3 shows A woman in a denim jacket and patterned scarf speaks into microphones at a press conference, with a man in a suit standing behind her
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Sofia Ann-Buitron Drotts earned a psychology degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Overview

  • Prosecutors charged 26‑year‑old Sofia Ann‑Buitron Drotts with multiple felonies for sexual offenses involving a minor and she pleaded not guilty after being arrested on July 14 and later released on bail.
  • Court papers and the district attorney say Drotts, who worked at John A. Davis Juvenile Hall, used her clinical role to groom the boy starting in 2024 and then engaged in a sexual relationship with him after his April release, which prosecutors say continued through July 14.
  • The teenager, identified in filings as John Doe, has recently been reported missing by his mother after he left home, briefly returned to remove an ankle monitor, missed a probation hearing and now has a warrant reported as issued for his arrest.
  • The boy’s family filed a formal tort claim against Contra Costa County and related agencies alleging failures in hiring, supervision and detection of warning signs by probation and health staff, a required step before a civil lawsuit for damages.
  • Criminal and civil matters will proceed on separate tracks, and the case has prompted questions about oversight of temporary clinicians, mandatory reporting and protections for detained youth that county officials say they cannot fully address while investigations and personnel matters remain active.