Behavioral Therapist Accused of Sexually Abusing Disabled Child

RIVERSIDE – In late May, Riverside police officers responded to a home in the Ramona section of Riverside in response to a report of a sexual assault that had just occurred.

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

Detectives from the Sexual Violence and Child Abuse Unit (SACA) arrived at the scene and took over the investigation.

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

He remains in custody and bail has been set at $1 million.

Detectives learned that Takata had been employed as a behavioral therapist for about three years, working primarily with children with severe disabilities. It is believed there may be 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.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can download the Riverside Police Department’s “Atlas 1” mobile app and use the “Send a Message” feature to send us information.