A worker at the Pompano Youth Academy, a state juvenile justice facility in Pompano Beach, was arrested Monday on charges of sexual battery by a person in a position of authority, the Broward Sheriff’s Office said. Jess Delgardo, 32, was also charged with sexual misconduct between detention facility employees and inmates.
Officials said they received a report Sunday of a possible sexual battery at the facility, which is at 3090 North Powerline Road. Online records describe it as a “moderate-risk” residential program for girls ages 13 to 18.
According to an arrest report, an inmate told a supervisor she had a “flirtatious” relationship with Delgardo, who was described as a direct care worker and guardian. The alleged victim, who is 18, said the two exchanged sexual messages by notebook and that Delgardo woke her late one night or early in the morning and they had sex in her room. The report said she could not legally consent because of her position in the facility.
Delgardo was booked into jail and later appeared before a judge, who set his bond at $30,000.
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice said Delgardo was not a state employee. He worked for a contracted provider that operates the facility, and that provider has fired him. A facility spokesperson said the academy is cooperating with law enforcement. The sheriff’s investigation is ongoing.
