Behavioral therapist charged with sexual abuse of disabled child

RIVERSIDE – In late May, Riverside police officers responded to a call about a recent sexual assault at a home in the Ramona neighborhood of Riverside.

During a therapy session at her home, a severely disabled and non-verbal girl under the age of 10 was allegedly sexually abused by her behavioral therapist. The therapist was identified as Mitchell Takata, 21, of Los Altos, who was still in his home when officers arrived.

Detectives from the Sexual Assault–Child Abuse Unit (SACA) responded and took over the investigation.

Takata was subsequently arrested and taken to the Robert Presley Detention Center. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has since filed charges of lewd acts with a child under the age of 14, attempted sexual intercourse or sodomy with a child under the age of 10, and attempted rape of a mentally/physically disabled victim.

He remains in custody, with bail set at one million dollars.

Investigators found that Takata worked as a behavioral therapist for about three years, primarily with severely disabled children. It is believed that there are other victims who have not yet come forward.

Anyone with additional information regarding Takata’s arrest is asked to contact SACA Detective Daniel Suarez at [email protected] or (951) 353-7120.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can download the Riverside Police Department’s Atlas 1 mobile app and use the “Send Message” feature to send us the information.