(Warning: potentially triggering content)
A shocking case has come to light in Arizona, after a behavior therapist who worked with children on the autism spectrum was arrested for the brutal assault of a 5-year-old boy in his care.
According to police and court records through WWNY-TV and another on Monday, the 42-year-old Adolfo Salas He’s facing felony child abuse and aggravated assault charges after authorities say surveillance footage captured a disturbing incident during a one-on-one therapy session. Soar Autism Treatment Center In the Phoenix-area city of Peoria.
Related: Doctor, therapist and lawyer all arrested in child sexual abuse case
The child involved has been described as nonverbal and suffering from autism. Investigators allege video from inside the facility shows Salas allegedly kicking the child while the child was on his hands and knees cleaning up trash. Authorities say the child later discovered a bruise under one eye and was given medical treatment.
Salas was arrested after police reviewed surveillance footage. Court records show a judge set a $5,000 bond and ordered electronic monitoring upon his release from custody while the case proceeds.
Prosecutors had asked that due to the circumstances of the case alone, Salas’ bond be set at a total of $100,000. including per local news outlet WWNY-TV in phoenix, ashley stetson of Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Said:
“Had there not been some type of video recording that allegedly recorded the incident, there would have been no way for this child to have been able to tell anyone about the attack.”
seriously.
There has been a strong reaction to the allegations, particularly because the accused was working in a position of trust with vulnerable children. And you can see it for yourself with some disturbing video content (below):
Even more (below):
Meanwhile, the autism center where the incident allegedly took place immediately distanced itself from the accused employee. In a statement, the facility emphasized that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding any conduct that compromises the safety or well-being of children, and said it had fired Salas:
“We have zero tolerance for this and any behavior that compromises the safety or well-being of children entrusted to our care.”
According to local outlets, the case is expected to move through the court system in the coming months.
What a horrifying story…
(Image created for PerezHilton.com)
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