Ridgecrest woman arrested for alleged sex crimes against teenagers

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) – A 23-year-old Ridgecrest woman was arrested Thursday for alleged underage sex crimes involving a 16-year-old, Ridgecrest police said.

On October 24, RPD Officer Pettit was informed by a parent that an alleged relationship had occurred between a paraprofessional, Danielle Blough, 23, and a 16-year-old victim. During the investigation, Officer Pettit discovered social media messages that confirmed the relationship between the 16-year-old and Blough.

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

Police said it was later discovered that Blough had been in a group chat with other minors. In these messages, Blough allegedly admitted that he had been dating the 16-year-old for around three months.

Detective Pietrangelo wrote several arrest warrants for Blouh. Both Pietrangelo and Sergeant Groves found Blough shortly later. She was later arrested without incident in the 300 block of North Downs Street in Ridgecrest.

Blough is charged with several charges, including unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, contacting a minor with sexual intent and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor when the age difference is more than three years.

Ridgecrest Police said that based on the facts in this case, officers fear there may be additional victims in the community.

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