Youth offender specialist fired after misconduct investigation

BUNKIE, La. (WNTZ) – A former juvenile justice specialist at the Acadiana Center for Youth in Bunkie has been arrested after authorities said she engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a youth offender.

Regina Holmes, 29, of Cottonport, was booked by the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office on a charge of malfeasance in office — sexual misconduct, according to the Office of Juvenile Justice.

OJJ officials said an internal investigation uncovered evidence of the questionable relationship on Aug. 12. The findings were reported to the sheriff’s office, which took Holmes into custody.

Holmes, who had been employed with the OJJ since March, was terminated immediately following the investigation.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.