Inland Empire, CA - Steve Jackson Rodriguez, Certified Nursing Assistant Accused of Sexually Abusing Severely Disabled Children at Group Homes

Nursing Assistant Accused of Sexually Assaulting Disabled Children

According to Justice. Gov, 37-year-old Steve Jackson Rodriguez was arrested for multiple counts of child exploitation crimes. Coffee or Die Magazine has reported that Rodriguez is currently employed at College Hospital- Cerritos located at 10802 College Pl, Cerritos, CA 90703. 

On August 25, 2012, Rodriquez was arrested following a criminal complaint. A warrant allowed investigators to search his home, which produced videos of him along with multiple minors engaged in sexual conduct. Investigators state the three victims vary in age from 4 to 8 years old. 

Rodriquez has been employed in multiple group homes for severely disabled children across Southern California, including Inland Empire. Homeland Security Investigators are still conducting an investigation and believe there may be additional victims. He is facing charges that include four counts of producing child pornography.

Legal Rights for Victims of Sexual Assault at a Group Home

Attorney contributor Bobby Thompson is a sexual abuse lawyer who represents victims and their families in sexual abuse civil lawsuits within California. Bobby has provided commentary in a recent interview to help victims of sexual assault at a group home determine if they have a valid claim against the medical care facility.

"Intermediate Care Facilities and group homes have a legal obligation to protect their patients and ensure a safe environment. Sadly, predators can gain employment in these facilities as members of medical staff. These roles allow them to have access to vulnerable victims by taking advantage of the power and trust of their position. Group homes should protect their patients from these predators and help to prevent incidents of sexual assault. Preventative measures that the administration can take include stringent background checks for all staff members, security cameras throughout the property, and through utilizing a reporting system. Failure for a facility to provide these measures can cause them to be held liable in a civil lawsuit."

"In the event of a crime, like a sexual assault, the victim and their family should inquire if the group home did everything possible to prevent this sexual abuse from taking place. Too often, sexual abuse cases are allowed to occur due to negligence from the administration of the care facility. For example, if the administration ignores prior sexual misconduct and allows the worker to continue working, this can be considered negligent. In cases of negligence by group homes and their administration, the victim and their family could have grounds for a lawsuit against the negligent care facility."

Sources:

Justice.Gov

Coffee or Die Magazine