BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A 23-year-old Ridgecrest woman was arrested Thursday for allegedly committing underage sex crimes against a 16-year-old boy, Ridgecrest police said.

On October 24, RPD officer Pettit was notified by a parent of an alleged relationship between 23-year-old paraprofessional Danielle Blough and a 16-year-old victim. During the investigation, Officer Pettit discovered social media messages confirming the relationship between the 16-year-old and Blough.

Police said a forensic interview was conducted with the teen, and the 16-year-old admitted to having consensual sex with Blough on multiple occasions. Blough was on administrative leave from the Sierra Sands Unified School District at the time of his arrest and had not been on campus since September 11, 2024, police said.

Blough was later found to be in a group chat with other minors, police said. In these messages, Blough allegedly admitted that he had been in a relationship with the 16-year-old for about three months.

Detective Pietrangelo had obtained several warrants for Blouh’s arrest. Both Pietrangelo and Sergeant Groves soon found Blough. He was later arrested without incident in the 300 block of North Downs Street in Ridgecrest.

Blough faces several charges, including unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, contact with a minor with sexual intent and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor when the age difference exceeds three years.

Ridgecrest police said based on the facts of this case, authorities are concerned there may be additional victims in the community.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective Pietrangelo at (760) 499-5113 or Sergeant Groves at (760) 499-5131.