Clovis occupational therapist charged with sexual abuse of minors

CLOVIS, NM (KRQE) – An occupational therapist who specializes in working with children is behind bars after parents informed police about his bizarre practices. “It was clear that all of these parents felt that something was wrong,” said Raúl Torrez, New Mexico’s attorney general.

Parents in Clovis raised the alarm when they learned that an occupational therapist was allegedly treating their children. Now the New Mexico Department of Justice is investigating. “When we learned the details, it was quite shocking and obvious to us that this man had taken advantage of his position as a medical professional in this community,” Torrez said.

Jared Cordum, 28, was arrested by special agents this morning. Cordum is a trained occupational therapist who visited clients’ homes and worked with disabled children. “I think this was a result of the sense of trust that many of us have when we go to the doctor, when we talk and meet with a medical professional,” Torrez said.

But his methods, according to the Attorney General, were not only unorthodox but also criminal and were aimed primarily at prepubescent boys. According to the indictment, Cordum had the children undressed and then touched them in inappropriate places, claiming that this was part of the treatment. As a result, some parents stopped bringing their children to Cordum and notified the police.

“If you feel that someone has behaved inappropriately, regardless of their position or the fact that they could be identified as a medical professional, please report it to law enforcement,” Torrez said.

Cordum is now charged with criminal sexual penetration of a minor and criminal sexual contact of a minor with at least four children under the age of 13.

The Justice Department said it will investigate Cordum’s past to see what other victims and communities may have been affected by his behavior. “My greatest concern is for the parents who were referred to this individual in good faith, trying to do the best for their children. And they thought that the individual they were dealing with was not only a qualified medical professional, but an ethical person,” Torrez said.

The Department of Justice urges members of the Clovis community to come forward if they know anything or believe they have been a victim of Cordum.