A Chicago woman has been charged with 15 counts of official misconduct for allegedly having a sexual relationship with an inmate while she was employed at the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice Phoenix Emerging Adult Career and Education Center in St. Charles, according to a news release from the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors allege that Bryana E. Phelan, 31, performed acts prohibited by law between Nov. 11, 2024, and Nov. 15, 2024, while working as a juvenile justice specialist at the center, according to the news release.
The center houses young adults ages 17 to 20 who are high school graduates and who have been committed to secure custody of the state by the court, according to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. The young adults there receive supports like education and career training.
According to the news release, prosecutors are alleging that Phelan socialized and had a sexual relationship with an in-custody male over the age of 17, in violation of department policies and procedures that forbid employees from socializing with or having sexual relations with the individuals in custody.
Phelan was charged on Aug. 25, per the news release. She is set to appear in court on Sept. 18.
