A disturbing case of alleged child abuse has shaken a southwest Miami-Dade community after a licensed occupational therapist was arrested for reportedly harming a 5-year-old boy during what should have been a routine therapy session. The incident occurred at Florida Kids Therapy Medley, located in the Three Lakes neighborhood, and has raised serious concerns among parents who entrust their children to professional care facilities.
Leonardo Daniel Rivas, 42, was taken into custody on July 21, 2026, and now faces charges of child abuse without great bodily harm. According to investigators from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, the alleged abuse took place on July 17, 2026, when the young victim was attending his regular daily occupational therapy appointment at the clinic situated at 13335 SW 124th St.
Details of the Alleged Abuse Emerge
Court documents reveal troubling details about what allegedly transpired during the therapy session. According to the arrest report, Rivas reportedly squeezed the child’s cheeks together and repeatedly forced a speech therapy device called a Whisper Phone into the boy’s mouth. The therapist allegedly covered the child’s mouth multiple times with the device, causing significant distress to the young patient.
The situation reportedly escalated when the 5-year-old became visibly upset by the treatment. Investigators stated that Rivas then allegedly began holding the child down forcefully against the chair and firmly pushed the victim’s legs down to restrain him. This physical confrontation resulted in the child sustaining multiple injuries that required medical attention.
Medical professionals at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital treated the young victim for the following injuries:
- Numerous abrasions on both shoulder blades
- Abrasions on the chest area
- Additional trauma consistent with being forcefully restrained
Suspect Remains Silent, Posts Bond
When law enforcement officials approached Rivas for questioning following his arrest, he declined to provide any statements without legal representation present. This is his constitutional right under the Fifth Amendment, though it leaves many questions unanswered about his version of events and what may have led to the alleged incident.
As of July 22, 2026, Rivas was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with bond set at $2,500. A judge presiding over the initial hearing issued a no-contact order, prohibiting Rivas from having any communication or proximity with the alleged victim. However, in a decision that may concern some parents in the community, the court allowed Rivas to continue practicing his profession while the criminal case proceeds through the justice system.
Florida licensing authorities are now tasked with reviewing the case to determine whether any disciplinary measures are warranted. Potential consequences could include:
- Temporary suspension of his professional license
- Permanent revocation of his credentials
- Mandatory additional training or supervision requirements
- Other administrative penalties as deemed appropriate
Therapy Center Responds to Crisis
Florida Kids Therapy Medley moved quickly to address the situation publicly, releasing an official statement following the arrest that emphasized their commitment to child safety and their zero-tolerance policy toward any form of abuse.
“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.”
According to the facility’s statement, administrators took immediate action once the incident came to their attention. The clinic reported that they reviewed all available information, removed Rivas from any patient care responsibilities, preserved relevant evidence for investigators, and promptly notified the appropriate authorities. The center has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement and regulatory agencies throughout the ongoing investigation.
Community Left Seeking Answers
This case highlights the vulnerability of children in therapeutic settings and raises important questions about oversight and monitoring in facilities that serve young patients. Parents who rely on occupational therapy services for their children are understandably concerned about the safety protocols in place at such establishments.
Occupational therapy is a crucial service for many children dealing with developmental challenges, sensory processing issues, and other conditions that require professional intervention. The alleged actions of one therapist can have far-reaching consequences, not only for the victim and his family but also for the broader community’s trust in these essential services.
As the investigation continues, Florida licensing authorities will be closely monitoring developments in the criminal case. The outcome could have significant implications for how therapy centers screen, supervise, and monitor their staff members who work directly with vulnerable young patients. For now, the community awaits justice for the young victim while grappling with the difficult reality that abuse can occur even in settings designed to help and heal children.
