EspañolBehavioral Therapist Mitchell Takata Arrested For Allegedly Sexually Assaulting Handicapped Child In Riverside
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA (July 10, 2024) – A 21-year-old behavioral therapist identified as Mitchell Takata, of Los Altos, has been arrested for the alleged sexual abuse of a handicapped child in Riverside.
Riverside County officials are saying that the suspect was employed as a behavioral therapist for about three years. Mitchell Takata worked primarily with severely disabled children.
He has since been charged with sexually abusing a handicapped child. Police believe that there may be additional victims who have not come forward.
The incident began in May when police responded to a home in a Ramona neighborhood after getting a report of a molestation. Mitchell Takata has since been booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center and is being held on $1 million bail.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Riverside County Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involving children remains alarmingly common for children of all ages. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, “The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Children’s Bureau report Child Maltreatment 2010 found that 9.2% of victimized children were sexually assaulted (page 24).” Girls were nearly four times more likely than boys to become victims of sexual abuse. Children with mental or physical disabilities are particularly vulnerable. Businesses that care for children should take a number of measures in order to prevent child sexual abuse.
- Businesses should conduct thorough background checks on all staff, volunteers, and employees.
- Businesses should provide comprehensive training that includes recognizing signs of abuse.
- Businesses should develop and enforce clear policies and procedures related to the protection of children.
- Businesses should report any suspected instances of child abuse.
It is a crime for any person in California to engage in any type of sexual activity with children. Pursuant to California Penal Code 288, it is a crime for a person to commit any lewd or lascivious act on a child under 16 years of age. This includes touching a child’s body for sexual purposes. It is not necessary for the touching to be on bare skin. Assailants are subject to jail time and fines.
If a person is working in any official capacity when child abuse takes place, their employer could be held at fault. For example, a business could be held liable for sexual abuse on the legal theory that their employee was negligently retained or hired. A business may have failed to conduct background checks or ignored reports of sexual misconduct. It is important that certain steps are taken after any instance of sexual abuse.
- A police report should be created.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- An experienced sexual abuse attorney should be contacted.
Sexual abuse is one of the most traumatic and destructive things that children can go through. Victims of sexual abuse often suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Survivors are also more likely to suffer long-term health consequences. Unfortunately, schools and healthcare providers will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility if someone in their care is sexually abused. This is why it is so important for victims of sexual abuse and their families to seek the guidance of an experienced attorney as early as possible.
Investigating Riverside County Sexual Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were deeply concerned to hear about the alleged actions of Mitchell Takata. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of all who have been affected.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused by a healthcare professional in Riverside County? You may have legal recourse. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims of sexual abuse are aware of their rights and that their abusers are held fully accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
