A disturbing case of alleged child abuse has shaken the Three Lakes neighborhood in southwest Miami-Dade County, where a licensed occupational therapist has been arrested and charged with abusing a young boy entrusted to his care during what should have been a routine therapy session.
Leonardo Daniel Rivas, 42, was taken into custody on July 22, 2026, facing charges of child abuse without great bodily harm. The incident occurred at Florida Kids Therapy Medley, located at 13335 SW 124th St., a facility that provides therapeutic services to children in the community.
Details of the Alleged Abuse Emerge
According to investigators from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, the five-year-old victim was attending his regular daily occupational therapy session on July 17, 2026, when the alleged abuse took place. Rivas, who was assigned as the child’s occupational therapist, reportedly engaged in a series of aggressive actions that left the young boy injured and traumatized.
The arrest report paints a troubling picture of what transpired during the session. Investigators allege that Rivas forcefully squeezed the victim’s cheeks together and repeatedly shoved a speech therapy device known as a Whisper Phone into the child’s mouth. The therapist allegedly covered the boy’s mouth multiple times with the device, causing significant distress.
“The defendant began holding the victim down forcefully to the chair and firmly pushed the victim’s legs down,” the arrest report states, describing the escalating nature of the alleged incident.
When the child became visibly upset by the treatment, the situation reportedly worsened rather than de-escalated. The therapist allegedly restrained the boy by holding him down in his chair with force and pressing his legs down firmly, preventing any movement or escape from the distressing situation.
Child Suffered Multiple Injuries
The physical evidence of the alleged abuse was documented by medical professionals at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where the young victim was taken for treatment following the incident. Medical staff identified and treated multiple injuries sustained during the therapy session.
The injuries documented include:
- Numerous abrasions on both shoulder blades
- Visible injuries to the chest area
- Additional trauma consistent with forceful restraint
These injuries, while classified as not causing great bodily harm under Florida law, were significant enough to require professional medical attention and served as key evidence in the subsequent arrest of the therapist.
Suspect Refuses to Cooperate with Investigation
Following his arrest, Rivas was questioned by investigators from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. However, according to official reports, the 42-year-old therapist declined to provide any statements regarding the allegations against him, invoking his right to legal representation before any further discussion.
As of the morning of July 23, 2026, Rivas remained in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County. Court records indicate that his bond status was listed as “to be set,” meaning a judge had not yet determined the conditions or amount required for his potential release pending trial.
Community Concerns and Ongoing Investigation
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the local community, particularly among parents who entrust their children to therapeutic professionals. Occupational therapy is commonly prescribed for children with developmental challenges, sensory processing issues, or physical disabilities, making the alleged breach of trust particularly disturbing.
Parents and guardians of children receiving therapy services are encouraged to maintain open communication with their children about their experiences during sessions. Warning signs that may indicate problems include:
- Sudden reluctance or fear about attending therapy sessions
- Unexplained injuries or marks on the body
- Behavioral changes following appointments
- Expressions of discomfort about specific staff members
Authorities continue to investigate the case, and anyone with additional information regarding this incident or similar experiences at the facility is encouraged to contact the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. A formal statement from Florida Kids Therapy Medley regarding the arrest of their former employee has been requested by local media outlets.
The case serves as a sobering reminder for parents to remain vigilant and attentive to their children’s well-being, even in professional care settings that are designed to help them thrive and develop.
