L.A. probation officer arrested, accused of supplying drugs to juvenile hall

Michael Solis, a Los Angeles County probation officer, was arrested for allegedly smuggling Xanax into Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall, where a teen died of a fentanyl overdose. The investigation revealed that Solis conspired with juvenile detainees to sell drugs between May and August 2023, just days after the overdose death. Officials emphasized that such actions are a grave betrayal of trust and responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of the vulnerable youths in custody. Solis faces significant jail time if convicted, as reports indicated rising drug trends among detainees prior to the overdose incident.

"Trafficking illegal drugs to juveniles is unconscionable under any circumstances, let alone as a government employee taking advantage of vulnerable youth in need of guidance and support."

"Reports of increased drug use among teens held at the Secure Youth Treatment Facility at Nidorf, where Solis worked, had surfaced in the months before Diaz's death."

Read at Los Angeles Times