The father of an autistic boy allegedly caught an in-home behavioral therapist molesting his son at the family’s Garden Grove residence, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
Salvador Armando Arriaga, a 32-year-old employee of Behavioral Health Works, is now facing a felony count of committing a lewd and lascivious act with a child under the age of 14, court records show, with prosecutors alleging he went into the boy’s home with the intent of molesting him.
Prosecutors allege that on Sept. 18, 2024 Arriaga was holding a therapy session in the boy’s bedroom while the boy’s father was caring for another child in the family’s living room. The father became concerned when he no longer heard any conversation coming from his son’s room, prosecutors added.
The father found Arriaga and his son in a walk-in closet inside the boy’s bedroom, prosecutors said. The boy’s pants were down, prosecutors allege, and Arriaga was on his knees with his head near the son’s lap.
Prosecutors say Arriaga tried to escape through a bedroom window and then ran out a door, but later returned while officers from the Garden Grove Police Department were still at the residence.
Officers arrested Arriaga that day, and investigators continued to look into the allegations over the next several months. The criminal charge was filed after detectives found additional evidence, including DNA evidence, according to the DA’s office.
“Mr. Arriaga is entitled to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence,” Attorney Jacqueline Goodman, who is representing Arriaga, said in response to the allegations. “We are thoroughly investigating and will address all charges in court, where facts, not prejudicial narratives, should prevail.”
Officials with Behavioral Health Works did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Arriaga’s employment status or the allegations.
Arriaga has pleaded not guilty to the felony charge, court records show, and is being held in lieu of $1 million bail. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about Arriaga to contact Garden Grove police investigators at 714-741-5872.