MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — A child occupational therapist is accused of abusing a 5-year-old boy during a therapy session at a clinic in the Three Lakes neighborhood of southwest Miami-Dade, investigators said.
Jail records show Leonardo Daniel Rivas, 42, was arrested Tuesday on a charge of child abuse without great bodily harm.
Deputies with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said the boy was attending his daily occupational therapy session at Florida Kids Therapy Medley at 13335 SW 124th St. on Thursday when Rivas, who was serving as his occupational therapist, “squeezed the victim’s cheeks together” and repeatedly forced a speech therapy device known as a Whisper Phone into the victim’s mouth, “covering his mouth several times.”
An arrest report states that the boy became upset, after which Rivas “began holding the victim down forcefully to the chair” and “firmly pushed the victim’s legs down.”
Investigators said the boy suffered “numerous abrasions” to both shoulder blades and his chest. According to the report, he was treated for his injuries at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
Authorities later arrested Rivas, who told investigators he did not want to speak with them without an attorney present, the report states.
As of Wednesday morning, Rivas was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where his bond was set at $2,500. A judge ordered him to have no contact with the alleged victim but allowed him to continue practicing while the case is pending.
Florida licensing authorities will determine whether any disciplinary action, including the possible suspension or revocation of his license, is warranted.
The clinic released a statement to Local 10 News following Rivas’ arrest, which you can read here:
"We are deeply saddened by the incident involving one of our contracted therapists and a minor receiving services at our center. The safety, dignity, and well-being of every child in our care are, and always will be, our highest priority.
The conduct observed in this incident is completely contrary to our values, our standards of care, and the way therapy is provided at Florida Kids Therapy Medley. We do not tolerate any form of physical aggression, mistreatment, or abuse toward the children we serve," the statement read.
"As soon as the incident was brought to our attention, we immediately reviewed the available information, removed the therapist from all patient care responsibilities, preserved the relevant evidence, and notified the appropriate authorities. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and all regulatory agencies as the investigation continues.
Out of respect for the minor and because the investigation remains ongoing, we cannot comment further on the specific details of the case at this time.
Our commitment remains to provide a safe, compassionate, and professional environment for every child and family we serve, to cooperate fully with the authorities, and to continue strengthening all necessary measures to ensure the protection and well-being of the children in our care."
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