An Orange County sheriff’s deputy is facing criminal charges for allegedly having sex with an inmate at a jail facility in Santa Ana, officials said.

Jennifer McClain, 29, was arrested Thursday night while on duty at the center. She was released on her own recognizance and is awaiting a court appearance, said Jim Amormino, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

McClain, a five-year veteran, is accused of being sexually involved with a male inmate while on duty at the Intake Release Center in November and December. The inmate reported the relationship to a supervisor. He said it was consensual. It was not clear why the inmate decided to come forward, Amormino said.

“It was disheartening because she was a popular deputy and it was a shock to many of us,” Amormino said. “But we do not tolerate this kind of misconduct from anyone who tarnishes the badge.”

McClain is on administrative leave during the criminal investigation and internal investigation.

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-- Esmeralda Bermudez