MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A 67-year-old therapist was arrested Wednesday, a day after he tried to kiss a 13-year-old girl during a therapy session, authorities said.
According to an arrest report, the child had a therapy session at 5 p.m. Tuesday with Pedro Julio Garcia at a medical office building at 9010 SW 137th Ave.
Police said Garcia told the girl to lay down on a sofa and close her eyes.
The girl told officers that Garcia put two of his fingers over her lips and asked if his fingers felt like her boyfriend's kisses.
The victim said Garcia lifted her shirt, exposing her stomach and began rubbing it.
She said he also asked her whether his touch reminded her of her boyfriend's touch.
Police said the girl was uncomfortable, so she got up and attempted to walk away.
The girl told police that Garcia grabbed her, hugged her and tried to kiss her on the mouth.
The girl said she turned her face and he kissed her cheek. She said while he was trying to kiss her he was also rubbing her buttocks over her clothes.
Garcia was arrested the next day on charges of molestation of a child and lewd and lascivious conduct on a child.
In bond court Garcia said he'd treated the patient about four times.
He later said that he allegations surprised him.
"The father said she was coming with enthusiasm all the time, motivated," Garcia said. "But this time happened something that she's upset. But that's something we need to see in court."
Garcia's wife and children said they believe he's an innocent man.
"He's innocent," Maria Garcia said. "And that's why we're here."
Pedro Garcia's daughter, Elena Garcia Romo, agreed.
"He lives for what he does," she said. "That's why he became a psychologist."