A 32-year-old in-home behavioral therapist has been accused of molesting an autistic child he was supposed to help.
Salvador Armando Arriaga pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of molesting an autistic child in Garden Grove, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office in California.
He entered his plea during an arraignment at the West Justice Center in Westminster.
Arriaga faces charges of lewd or lascivious acts on a minor younger than 14.
He was accused of molesting the boy during a September 18 therapy session in the client’s bedroom, while he was employed by Behavioral Health Works in Anaheim.
According to prosecutors, Arriaga had provided therapy services to the boy on multiple previous occasions.
On the day of the alleged incident, the child’s father walked in on the boy in a closet with his pants down, according to prosecutors.
He discovered his son in that state when he went to check on him after noticing he could not hear the therapist and child talking.
Salvador Armando Arriaga pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of molesting an autistic child in Garden Grove, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office
When confronted, Arriaga reportedly attempted to escape through a bedroom window before running out the front door instead.
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The father immediately contacted police.
Prosecutors allege that Arriaga changed his shirt and returned to the residence while officers were present at the scene.
Arriaga’s defense attorney, Jacqueline Goodman, stated that her client ‘is entitled to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence’.
‘We are thoroughly investigating and will address all charges in court, where facts, not prejudicial narratives, should prevail,’ Goodman told City News Service, as reported by ABC7.
Arriaga is currently being held on $1million bail.
He could face a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
The Garden Grove Police Department is asking anyone with additional information about Arriaga or potential additional victims to contact Detective Sindy Orozco at 714-741-5872 or [email protected]
The Garden Grove Police Department is asking anyone with additional information about Arriaga or potential additional victims to contact Detective Sindy Orozco at 714-741-5872 or [email protected].