Riverside Police Department Press Release

RIVERSIDE, CA – In late May 2024, Riverside Police Officers responded to a home in the Ramona neighborhood of Riverside for a call of a molestation that just occurred. During a therapy session inside her home, a severely handicapped and non-verbal girl under the age of 10 was alleged to have been sexually abused by her behavior therapist. The behavior therapist was identified as Mitchell Takata, 21-years-old of Los Altos, who was still at this home when officers arrived.

Detectives assigned to the Sexual Assault – Child Abuse Unit (SACA) responded and assumed the investigation.

Mitchell Takata was subsequently arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center. Charges have since been filed by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office on Mr. Takata for lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14, attempted sexual intercourse or sodomy with a child under the age of 10, and attempted rape of a victim with a mental / physical disability. He remains in custody on 1 million dollars’ bail.

Detectives learned Mitchell Takata has been employed as a behavior therapist for approximately 3 years, working primarily with severely disabled children. It is believed there could be other victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone with additional information regarding the arrest of Mitchell Takata is urged to contact SACA Detective Daniel Suarez at DSuarez@RiversideCA.gov or (951) 353-7120.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, you can download the Riverside Police Department’s “Atlas 1” mobile app and utilize the “Send a Message” feature to send us the information.