Tristan Balagtas is a reporter for The Messenger. She was previously a crime reporter for PEOPLE. She graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a degree in journalism.

Breaking News Reporter

Tristan Balagtas

A teenage correctional officer in <a href="https://themessenger.com/search?s=New%20Mexico" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Mexico</a> has reportedly been placed on administrative leave pending an on-the-job sexual assault investigation.

A teenage correctional officer in <a href="https://themessenger.com/search?s=New%20Mexico" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Mexico</a> has reportedly been placed on administrative leave pending an on-the-job sexual assault investigation.

Owen Etsitty, 19, faces charges of criminal sexual penetration and criminal sexual contact, according to court documents, <a href="https://www.koat.com/article/teenage-correction-officer-on-leave-sexual-assault/45922157#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KOAT</a> reported.

Owen Etsitty, 19, faces charges of criminal sexual penetration and criminal sexual contact, according to court documents, <a href="https://www.koat.com/article/teenage-correction-officer-on-leave-sexual-assault/45922157#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KOAT</a> reported.

Etsitty was arrested Monday while at work at Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Grants, New Mexico.&nbsp;

Etsitty was arrested Monday while at work at Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Grants, New Mexico.&nbsp;

It’s unclear if the alleged sexual assault involved an inmate or co-worker.&nbsp;

It’s unclear if the alleged sexual assault involved an inmate or co-worker.&nbsp;

New Mexico Corrections Department Cabinet Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero said the agency is “working closely with our law enforcement partners to make sure Etsitty is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” according to a statement obtained by the station.

New Mexico Corrections Department Cabinet Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero said the agency is “working closely with our law enforcement partners to make sure Etsitty is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” according to a statement obtained by the station.

Jail records Friday did not reflect Etsitty as in custody.

Jail records Friday did not reflect Etsitty as in custody.

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