The former head of Laurel Ridge Treatment Center, Jacob Cuellar, 45, is now waiting for his trial after being charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14. Court records obtained indicate that the San Antonio Police Department began investigating a complaint in March 2024, when an 11-year-old reported recurring sexual abuse by Cuellar, who was a family friend, according to a report by KENS 5.

Shortly after the allegations surfaced, Cuellar resigned from his position at Laurel Ridge, a psychiatric facility treating children and adults, with a spokesperson for the center affirming, "This is not related in any manner to Laurel Ridge Treatment Center, and we are not aware of any allegations of improper conduct by Mr. Cuellar with any patients at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center," as disclosed in a statement obtained by KENS 5. As the interim CEO, Chris Barela, the chief financial officer, has since been appointed.

Grand jury proceedings led to Cuellar’s indictment on charges including two counts of aggravated sexual assault and one count of indecency with a child by contact against the same victim, according to a report by KSAT. He was arrested this Thursday, and posted his $75,000 bond the following day, the conditions of his release prohibit him from having contact with any minors, except for approved family members, and from possessing a firearm.

The crime of continuous sexual abuse of a child carries with it a grave sentence, ranging from 25 years to life imprisonment. Meanwhile, Cuellar's case awaits a trial date in the 379th District Court, while he remains restricted from contact with the complainant, or anyone 17 and younger, though family members are exempt from this condition, as noted in online records.