A Turlock woman who worked as a counselor at a juvenile group home was arrested on Thursday for having sexual relations with one of her former charges.

The Turlock Police Department was informed on March 28 of a possible ongoing sexual relationship between a minor and a group home counselor, Marissa Ann Groves, 30, formerly assigned to the facility where the minor resides. The sexual relationship was alleged to have started while Groves was working as a counselor at the minor’s placement facility and continued after she left to work for another group home employer.

The investigation into the allegation was conducted in conjunction with the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division. Through the course of interviews and evidence collection, detectives developed probable cause to believe the sexual acts had occurred. 

On Thursday, officers arrested Groves for unlawful sex with a minor. She was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center.

At this time, there is no information to believe any other minors at any of the facilities where Groves has worked have been victimized, according to law enforcement. 

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective Paul Inderbitzen with the Turlock Police Department at (209) 668-6551 or the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 ext. 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us, to remain anonymous. 

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.