Former CEO of Laurel Ridge charged with child sexual abuse

SAN ANTONIO – The former CEO of Laurel Ridge Treatment Center is accused of sexually abusing a child, according to court documents.

Files show that 45-year-old Jacob Cuellar was charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14.

The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office began reviewing the case in May 2022. In March of that year, San Antonio police responded to reports of sexual abuse of a child. Police say an 11-year-old informed family members of years of sexual abuse by a family friend, allegedly Jacob Cuellar.

The charges were filed Wednesday in 379th District Court and, according to records, he is awaiting a trial date.

“Mr. Cuellar voluntarily resigned three weeks ago and immediately left his position at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center,” a spokesman said Friday. “Based on the information we have, this is in no way related to Laurel Ridge Treatment Center, and we are not aware of any allegations of inappropriate behavior by Mr. Cuellar toward patients at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center.”

According to online records, Cuellar is not permitted to associate with the complainant or anyone else age 17 or younger, except for family members.

Cuellar was arrested Thursday and released on $75,000 bail.

As for the offence of continued sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, the penalty is between 25 years and life imprisonment.

Laurel Ridge is a mental health treatment facility for adults and children. The facility’s website no longer lists Cuellar as CEO. Chris Barela, the center’s chief financial officer, is listed as interim CEO.

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