June 23--A custodial deputy with the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department was arrested Tuesday after the theft of more than $9,000 from the Inmate Welfare Fund, authorities said.
Jose Pacheco, a nine-year sheriff's veteran, was booked into the county jail on suspicion of felony grand theft and burglary, according to the Sheriff's Department. He has been placed on paid administrative leave.
Families of inmates used the fund to support their loved ones in custody. They deposited money into the fund, which paid for the inmates' education and welfare, sheriff's officials said.
The fund supported vocational, educational and rehabilitation programs.
"To protect the public's trust and confidence in us, we will always hold our employees accountable to the community we serve and to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics," Sheriff Adam Christianson said in a statement.
Detectives began investigating Pacheco in May after they discovered funds were missing.
