A Santa Clara County correctional deputy on Thursday was charged with child molestation.
Anthony Felix Diaz, 33, was arrested earlier this week in a case that stems from incidents involving a 9-year-old girl four years ago in San Jose when he was off-duty. Diaz lived with the victim's mother at the time, police said.
If convicted, Diaz faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office.
“Child molestation cases involve the most vulnerable victims," Jonathan Beardsley, deputy district attorney, said in a statement. "It is especially tragic when someone violates the trust of a child and the public.”
Diaz, a seven-year veteran of the sheriff's office, was placed on administrative leave after his arrest Monday. He was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday afternoon at the Hall of Justice in San Jose.
