Tri-Cities juvenile-home official charged with sexual misconduct

RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) — An acting administrator at a home for juvenile felony offenders in Richland has been charged with sexual misconduct with a male 18-year-old resident.

The Tri-City Herald reports 38-year-old Mindi Stoker pleaded not guilty to sexual misconduct charges Monday.

Investigators say Stoker had sex with the teen at the Twin Rivers Community Facility and that the two had sexual contact on more than one outing. Authorities say they began investigating after another resident told staffers about the conduct.

Stoker posted $20,000 bail and was released from Benton County Jail Monday.

The state Department of Social and Health Services, which operates Twin Rivers, said Stoker has been placed on alternative assignment until an internal investigation is finished.

The 16-bed facility helps juvenile offenders transition back into the community.

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