A former behavioural health clinician in California has been charged with several serious offences related to allegations of sexual abuse against a minor. Sofia Drotts, 26, faces multiple felony counts, including unlawful sexual intercourse and oral copulation with a person under the age of 18.
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Authorities announced the charges following an investigation that began when a supervisor from the Contra Costa County Probation Department tipped off the police about suspected misconduct. Drotts, who was working at the John Davis Juvenile Detention Center in Martinez at the time of the alleged offences, is scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday, 29 July.
According to officials, Drotts was assigned to work with the teen while he was detained at the centre. Prosecutors allege that after the boy’s release, he and Drotts entered into a sexual relationship between April and July of 2026. It is alleged that this inappropriate relationship developed after Drotts had reportedly groomed the youth during his incarceration.
A claim filed by the family of the alleged victim against Contra Costa County and related agencies asserts that the institutions failed to protect their son from the abuse. The claim alleges that Drotts began grooming the boy when he was just 14 years old. During his two-year stay at the juvenile hall, it is alleged that Drotts misused her position as a therapist to develop an emotional bond with the teen, with the intent of facilitating sexual abuse.
The teen, who has not been named publicly, was serving a sentence in Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall at the time of the alleged grooming. Following his release, it has been reported that he sometimes stayed overnight at Drotts’ home in San Francisco, defying his curfew.
In light of these revelations, the family has expressed their outrage and heartache. A spokesperson for the family, Sage Moala, stated, “We trusted these professionals with our son’s healing and that trust was betrayed and fundamentally shattered. Our focus is on our son’s recovery and protection.”
Responding to the incident, Contra Costa Health acknowledged the legal claim filed against them concerning the allegations involving the minor. However, they indicated that due to the sensitive nature of the matter, and because it remains an active legal and personnel issue, they could not provide further details at this time.
Drotts was arrested by the Concord Police Department on 14 July, after the initial complaint prompted a thorough investigation. About a week later, the case was referred to the District Attorney’s office for further legal action.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Drotts has not yet reached out for comment on these serious allegations. Meanwhile, concerns continue to grow regarding the safeguarding procedures for vulnerable minors in care facilities, as this case highlights significant lapses that may have allowed such abuse to occur.
Community members and child protection advocates are increasingly calling for greater oversight and stricter regulations in juvenile facilities to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The case is set to garner further attention as the arraignment date approaches, with implications for both those involved and the broader system that oversees youth rehabilitation.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse, resources are available for support, including contacting the Crisis Text Line by texting “STRENGTH” to 741-741 for immediate help from a certified crisis counsellor.