D.A.: Counselor indecently assaulted teen patient
Bernard Rivas specializes in counseling teens in crisis. But authorities say Rivas, 73, of Lansdale, caused crisis for one 14-year-old girl who regularly visited him for counseling, repeatedly touched her private areas during counseling sessions in his home office.
Bernard Rivas is a licensed counselor who specializes in helping teens in crisis.
But Montgomery County authorities say Rivas, 73, of Lansdale, caused a crisis for one 14-year-old girl who regularly visited him for counseling. The girl told Upper Gwynedd police in February that Rivas repeatedly touched her private areas during counseling sessions in his home office, according to Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman. The girl was able to secretly photograph him twice touching her inappropriately, according to the D.A.'s Office.
Rivas was arrested March 19 and charged with endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors and indecent assault, according to the D.A.'s Office. He posted $5,000 bail and faces a March 30 preliminary hearing before Montgomery County Magisterial District Judge Robert Sobeck.
Authorities ask anyone with information about Rivas to call Upper Gwynedd police at (215) 699-5861 or the Montgomery County Detective Bureau at (610) 278-3368.