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Family Files Claim After County Therapist Is Accused of Grooming and Sexually Abusing Teen

The filing accuses Contra Costa agencies of negligent hiring and supervision, raising fresh scrutiny of care for jailed and recently released youth.

Overview

  • The boy’s family filed a tort claim Monday, July 27, saying a county-assigned therapist began grooming and sexually abusing the teen when he was 14 while he was at John A. Davis Juvenile Hall.
  • The therapist named in the claim, Sofia Ann-Buitron Drotts, was arrested earlier in July after a probation tip and a search turned up evidence; prosecutors have since lodged felony sex-related charges against her.
  • The claim names Contra Costa County, Contra Costa Health, juvenile detention and probation agencies and alleges negligent hiring, supervision and retention plus failures to investigate and to file required reports.
  • According to the filing, the alleged abuse continued after the teen’s April release through county 'wraparound' services, and Drotts allegedly encouraged school and curfew violations to meet the youth.
  • Contra Costa Health says it took appropriate administrative action and is cooperating with law enforcement, the family is planning a press conference, and both criminal prosecution and civil litigation are now moving forward.