Lake County Corrections Deputy Arrested for Sexual Assault Following Internal Investigation
LAKE, CA – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of Daniel Constancio Jr., 35, of Willits, following a criminal investigation into allegations of sexual assault. Constancio, a Deputy Sheriff Corrections, was taken into custody on February 12, 2026, after voluntarily surrendering to authorities.
The investigation began in September 2025, when the Sheriff’s Office received a report concerning an incident alleged to have occurred in early 2024 at the Hill Road Correctional Facility. At the time of the reported incident, the victim was an inmate at the facility and has since been released. Upon receiving the report, the Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit initiated a criminal probe, while the Professional Standards Bureau commenced an internal affairs investigation.
According to officials, Constancio was on approved protected leave when the report was filed and was subsequently placed on paid administrative leave. Detectives interviewed involved parties and witnesses over several months. Based on the gathered evidence, investigators determined that Constancio engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with the victim during her incarceration.
The arrest warrant includes charges under 289.6(a)(2) PC, 287 (E) PC, and 243.4 (E)(1) PC. Following his surrender, Constancio was booked into the Mendocino County Jail. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office stated that any criminal behavior by an employee constitutes a violation of public trust and noted their commitment to the safety of individuals within their care.
Authorities are asking anyone with information relevant to the case to contact Detective Marcos De La Torre at (707) 262-4231 or the Major Crimes Unit Tip Line at (707) 262-4088.
