Thomas Burress, 30, of Winslow was arrested on Dec. 8 and is accused of three counts of engaging in criminal sexual misconduct with a minor. The 15-year-old female victim was in custody of the Navajo County Juvenile Probation Department where Burress was employed.

A press release by the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office explained, “Navajo County Probation was conducting a review of surveillance cameras at a probation facility and found what appeared to be inappropriate behavior caught on camera.”

According to Assistant County Manager Bryan Layton, “The alleged act was discovered and the Sheriff’s Office was immediately notified. The employee (Burress) resigned from his position the morning after the alleged incident but prior to review of the camera footage and detection by the probation staff. He was placed under surveillance by the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Apprehension Team (MCAT) until he was arrested on Thursday, Dec. 9.”

Layton also explained the Sheriff’s Office was notified immediately by the probation department and no further contact between Burress and the victim has been identified.

Burress was employed at the facility from Aug. 6 until Sept. 21 in the Juvenile Detention Department, according to Layton. “In this position, Burress helped supervise juveniles placed in the custody of the Navajo County Probation Department.”

It was noted by Layton that Burress did undergo a mandated background check as well as a psychological evaluation prior to working with juvenile probationers. “He also completed training regarding the appropriate supervision, care of and staff behavior around juveniles.”

Chief Probation Officer Jason Cash said, “We appreciate the swift response and professionalism demonstrated by the Sheriff’s Office, county attorney and probation supervisors, and we are committed to a comprehensive investigation.”

Layton concluded, “As this is still an open investigation we cannot provide further information at this time regarding specific details, but we can share that based on the information we have to date, it appears that the alleged incident was a single occurrence and no other instances of inappropriate or illegal behavior has been identified.”

Burress remains in custody in the Navajo County Jail and is being held on a $250,000 cash only bond.