http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/97355

September 15, 2007 - 12:35AM

Home worker accused of having sex with teen boy

NICOLE BEYER, TRIBUNE
A group home worker accused of having sex with a 15-year-old resident is an illegal immigrant who used fake ID to get hired in June, court documents show.

Maricopa County sheriff’s detective Aaron Douglas said Alejandra Rivas, 28, worked at a group home on a county island in east Mesa. She was booked into Estrella Jail in Phoenix on Wednesday on two felony counts of sexual conduct with a minor.

Rivas is being held on $2,800 bond, and federal immigration officials have flagged her for possible deportation if she is released.

Douglas said Rivas admitted to being an illegal immigrant and to having sex with the boy on at least one occasion. Court documents show the woman asked investigators if they would be able to find her if she left and went to Mexico.

Nine boys stayed at the Youth Enlightenment home near Southern Avenue and Hawes Road at the time of the encounter, and court records show other boys witnessed the sex act and also saw the woman masturbating.

Youth Enlightenment operates one home for boys in the East Valley and another home for girls.

Court records show that Rivas lives in Chandler with her children — neighbors said Rivas has five children.

Douglas said the home’s director called sheriff’s investigators Tuesday after another staff member noticed a change in the atmosphere at the home and started asking questions.

— Tribune reporter Gary Grado contributed to this report.