Mitchell Takata charged with sexual abuse of a disabled child

Behavioral therapist Mitchell Takata arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a disabled child in Riverside

RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA (July 10, 2024) – A 21-year-old behavioral therapist named Mitchell Takata of Los Altos was arrested for the alleged sexual abuse of a disabled child in Riverside.

Riverside County officials say the suspect worked as a behavioral therapist for about three years. Mitchell Takata worked primarily with severely disabled children.

He has since been accused of sexually abusing a disabled child. The police assume that there are other victims who have not yet come forward.

The incident began in May when police were called to a home in a Ramona neighborhood after receiving a report of sexual harassment. Mitchell Takata has since been taken to the Robert Presley Detention Center and is being held on $1 million bail.

The comprehensive investigation is currently still ongoing.

Sexual Abuse Liability in Riverside County

Child sexual abuse remains alarmingly common among children of all ages. According to National Center for Victims of Crime“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Children’s Bureau Child Maltreatment 2010 report found that 9.2% of children affected had been sexually abused (page 24).” Girls were nearly four times more likely to be victims of sexual abuse than boys. Children with mental or physical disabilities are particularly at risk. Businesses that care for children should take a number of steps to prevent child sexual abuse.

• Companies should conduct thorough background checks on all employees, volunteers and staff.
• Companies should provide comprehensive training, including how to recognize signs of abuse.
• Companies should develop and enforce clear policies and procedures to protect children.
• Companies should report any suspected cases of child abuse.

In California, it is a crime for any person to engage in sexual activity with a child of any kind. California Penal Code 288It is a crime if a person commits a lewd or lascivious act on a child under 16 years of age. This includes touching a child’s body for sexual purposes. The touching does not have to be on bare skin. Offenders can expect prison sentences and fines.

If a person is working in an official capacity when child abuse occurs, their employer may be held responsible. For example, a company may be held liable for sexual abuse because its employee was negligent in hiring them. A company may not have conducted background checks or ignored reports of sexual misconduct. It is important that specific steps are taken after every case of sexual abuse.

• A report should be made to the police.
• Eyewitnesses should be questioned.
• Medical records should be kept.
• An experienced sexual abuse attorney should be contacted.

Sexual abuse is one of the most traumatic and destructive things a child can experience. 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 health care providers often do everything in their power to deny responsibility when someone in their care is sexually abused. That’s why it’s so important for victims of sexual abuse and their families to seek the advice of an experienced attorney as early as possible.

Riverside County Sexual Abuse Investigation

We at Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were deeply concerned when we heard of the alleged actions of Mitchell Takata. Anyone with more information about what happened should contact the police. There needs to be some accountability, in the interests of all those affected.

Have you or someone close to you 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 all of your questions. It is very important to us that victims of sexual abuse know their rights and that their abusers are held fully accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any kind of support, we are here for you. You can always reach us at 626-799-9375.