Texas public defender arrested for having 'personal relationship' with Dallas inmate: police
Ragan Sierra Moreno is accused of using her ID to get access to Todd Whitfield
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A public defender in Texas was booked into jail last week for allegedly having a "personal relationship" with an inmate, police say.
Ragan Sierra Moreno, 28, was charged with abuse of official capacity Sept. 14, according to Dallas County Sheriff's Office. Moreno had worked as a public defender for Dallas County for eight months before her arrest.
Authorities say that a detention officer first noticed Moreno spending "an inordinate amount of time" with inmate Todd Whitfield, who was not her client.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"After investigating the matters, DSO determined that Moreno had a personal relationship with the inmate," the Dallas County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. "She apparently used her Dallas County ID to gain access to the inmate and criminal records of another inmate."
Ragan Sierra Moreno, left is accused of having a personal relationship with Todd Whitfield. (Dallas County Sheriff's Office)
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by FOX 4 Dallas, investigators determined that Moreno was in a relationship with Todd after obtaining his call logs. They noted that "the content of their phone conversation is suspiciously personal."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Authorities also accused Moreno of using her ID to access records for Todd's brother, Zion, who is also incarcerated. The suspect allegedly held a three-way call with the brothers and revealed the names of the complainants in Zion's assault cases.
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Authorities also accused Moreno of using her ID to access records for Todd's brother, Zion Whitfield. (Dallas County Sheriff's Office)
According to the affidavit, Todd allegedly sent a threat to one of the victims after he learned their identity. The text read: "I swear before Christ you haven't met me, but you will and how you meet me depends all on you."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}It is unclear if Moreno is still employed as a public defender. Fox News Digital reached out to the Dallas County Public Defender's Office, but has not heard back.
Moreno had worked as a public defender for Dallas County. (Google Maps)
After being booked into jail, Moreno posted a bond of $5,000. There are no additional details about the incident at this time.