Robert Delacruz Accused of Sexual Assault

Special Needs Counselor Robert Delacruz, 58, of Tustin, Wanted For Allegedly Sexually Assaulting Client At Day Program For Adults With Disabilities In Irvine

child sexual abuse

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA (April 16, 2024) – An Irvine special needs counselor identified as Robert Delacruz has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman who attends a day program for adults with disabilities.

Orange County officials said that a woman who attends the program has come forward. She has accused Robert Delacruz of assaulting her and coercing her to engage in sex from June 2022 to March 2024.

She told the authorities that he served as her counselor and caretaker. Irvine Police Department officials were able to obtain a search warrant and search the defendant’s home.

They said that they were able to obtain additional evidence related to their investigation. Authorities are currently trying to locate Robert Delacruz.

They said that he is known to drive a 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser with a license plate number BASTOS2. Any person with more information should reach out to the Irvine Police Department.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Orange County Sexual Assault Cases

Sexual assaults remain alarmingly common across California. Both children and adults with developmental disabilities are much more likely to become victims during their lifetimes. According to the National Organization for Women, “it is estimated that as many as 40% of women with disabilities experience sexual assault or physical violence in their lifetimes and that more than 90% of all people with developmental disabilities will experience sexual assault.” Businesses that help adults with disabilities should take a number of measures to prevent instances of sexual assault.

  • Training: Businesses should make sure that their employees are trained to recognize signs of abuse.
  • Awareness: Businesses should understand the factors that lead to victimization and predation.
  • Background Checks: Businesses should make sure that all of their employees undergo background checks.
  • Supervision and Monitoring: Businesses should ensure that all individuals with disabilities are thoroughly monitored and supervised.

Depending on the facts of any case, a business could be liable for the sexual misconduct of one of their employees. Businesses have a legal obligation to protect their clients from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. This includes sexual abuse at the hands of employees. Many sexual assault claims against businesses are based on the legal theory that the assailant was negligently hired or retained. There are several elements that must be demonstrated in any negligent hiring claim.

  • The worker was unfit for their job or posed an unreasonable danger to clients.
  • The worker’s employer knew or should have known about the danger that the worker posed.
  • The unfit nature of the worker caused harm to the victim.
  • The company’s negligent hiring or retention was a substantial factor in causing the harm.

Sexual assaults are often some of the most traumatic and harmful events that most people will ever go through. Victims often suffer long-term psychological trauma and are much more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions. Much of the sexual abuse that takes place at businesses is preventable. By the time any person is arrested for sexual assault, there are likely many red flags that were missed. Victims of sexual assault are typically able to receive some measure of justice through a civil claim.

Investigating Orange County Sexual Assault Cases 

We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the people who may have been impacted by the actions of Robert Delacruz. Any person who may have more information about the whereabouts of the defendant should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into all of the allegations.

Have you or someone that you care about been impacted by sexual assault? You may have legal recourse. Our team of sexual assault attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that survivors are aware of their rights and that assailants are held accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.

Author

MICHAEL S. CARRILLO, Partner

Michael works on high-profile cases that have garnered national media attention. His practice today focuses on child sexual abuse cases, police misconduct cases, catastrophic injuries and other wrongful death matters. He is a passionate advocate for his clients including the countless child sexual abuse victims he currently represents.