A California therapist is facing serious criminal allegations after prosecutors said she engaged in sexual acts with a teenage client who had previously been in her care at a juvenile detention centre.
Sofia Ann-Buitron Drotts, 26, is a former behavioural health clinician. She has been charged in connection with allegations involving a boy who was assigned to her as a patient while detained at John Davis Juvenile Detention Center.
The case has become even more disturbing because the teenager's family claims that the therapist spent around two years building an inappropriate emotional relationship with him before the alleged rape took place. The family has also filed a legal claim against Contra Costa County and other agencies, arguing that the warning signs were not properly addressed.
California therapist, 26, allegedly groomed and raped boy after he left juvenile hall where she worked https://t.co/VJzjrpSIa7 pic.twitter.com/ALuAJPbJwX
— New York Post (@nypost) July 29, 2026
Teen Was Allegedly Groomed Before Further Sex Abuse
According to the family's civil claim, Drotts allegedly began grooming the boy in 2024, when he was only 14 or 15 and serving a two-year sentence at Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall. The claim says she used her position as his therapist to establish what it describes as an inappropriate emotional connection, with the intention of eventually engaging in sexual abuse.
The accusations later escalated to claims of rape, making the case particularly serious given the teenager was receiving care from someone who was supposed to provide professional support while he was in custody. His family claims the relationship crossed professional boundaries during the period Drotts was working with him.
Prosecutors say the alleged sexual relationship occurred after the boy left juvenile detention. It reportedly took place between 1 April and 14 July of this year. Drotts was arrested on 14 July by Concord Police after authorities received a tip.
The family's claim says the relationship continued outside the detention facility. The teenager stayed overnight at Drotts' San Francisco home and missed curfew so they could spend time together.
Therapist Now Faces Multiple Felony Charges
Drotts is facing a seven-count felony complaint, according to the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office. The charges include unlawful sexual intercourse, oral copulation involving someone under 18, sexual penetration by a foreign object, sending harmful matter to a minor and possession of child or youth pornography.
Her arrest followed an investigation by Concord police, and prosecutors said the case was later referred to the District Attorney's Office for a charging decision.
The court is expected to proceed with an arraignment and, depending on the plea, further hearings before any potential trial.
Cases of Abuse Involving Minors
Cases involving alleged abuse of teenagers and minors often raise serious questions about trust, safeguarding, and the responsibility of adults working with young people.
Children and teenagers can be particularly vulnerable when they depend on teachers, therapists, coaches, carers or other professionals for support and guidance. Allegations of abuse in these settings can also have a lasting impact on victims and their families, while investigations may uncover wider concerns about supervision and reporting procedures.
While every case is different and accusations must be tested through the legal system, abuse allegations involving minors continue to highlight the importance of clear professional boundaries and effective safeguarding measures. Young people need safe ways to speak up about inappropriate behaviour, and their concerns should always be taken seriously.
