An in-home behavioural therapist was caught molesting a 14-year-old boy with autism when the concerned father checked in on their therapy session, according to a new report.
Salvador Armando Arriaga, 32, an in-home therapist working for Behavioural Health Works based in Anaheim, was caught in a walk-in closet in the bedroom of the teen with autism who had his pants pulled down during a therapy session, according to the Orange County District Attorney, CNS reported.
The father of the boy with autism was at home at the time of the therapy session, taking care of another child and went to check in on his 14-year-old son and the supposedly trusted medical professional who had treated the boy several times prior to the incident, the report stated.
Upon opening the bedroom door, the father witnessed the 32-year-old in the closet with his son, who had his pants around his ankles, prosecutors said, according to the report.
When the father confronted Arriaga, the 32-year-old therapist then tried to climb out of the bedroom window but failed, and opted instead to flee the home on foot, prompting the dad to call police, CNS stated.
When the alleged therapist returned to the scene later to speak with police officers, Arriaga had allegedly changed his shirt, prosecutors alleged, the report stated.
Arriaga pleaded not guilty to one charge of a lewd and lascivious act on a child under 14.
He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life and is currently being held in lieu of $1 million bail, CNS reported.
