A California man, Salvador Armando Arriaga, aged 32, is facing serious charges after being accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy with autism during a therapy session at the boy’s home. Prosecutors state that Arriaga is charged with a felony count for committing a lewd act with a child under 14, with the additional allegation that he entered the home with the intent to molest the boy.
The incident reportedly took place on September 18 while Arriaga was conducting a session in the boy’s bedroom. The boy’s father was in the living room taking care of another child when he noticed things had gone quiet in the other room. Curious, he went to check on them.
When the father entered the bedroom, he initially didn’t see his son or the therapist. However, upon looking into a walk-in closet, he allegedly found his son with his pants down and Arriaga in a compromising position.
Upon being confronted, Arriaga tried to flee through a window but ultimately ran out of the house. The father immediately contacted the Garden Grove police. When officers arrived, Arriaga had returned to the house wearing a different shirt and was detained on suspicion of lewd acts against a minor.
Arriaga’s bail has been set at $1 million, and he could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted. The Orange County District Attorney’s office is encouraging anyone who might have more information about Arriaga or any potential other victims to reach out to the local police.
If anyone suspects child abuse, they are urged to call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453 for confidential support.
