A former Chandler pediatric dental assistant has pleaded guilty to charges that he inappropriately touched and photographed young patients during visits, moving a closely watched criminal case toward a June sentencing date. The plea marks the first significant courtroom resolution in a scandal that has drawn state regulators, triggered civil lawsuits and left parents combing through memories of routine appointments going back to 2022. Authorities say the alleged victims were children brought in for standard X-ray exams, and the clinic has since rolled out new safety protocols while both criminal and civil cases play out.
According to FOX 10 Phoenix, Chandler police and court records identify the defendant as Deion Garcia and state that he entered the guilty plea on Tuesday. FOX 10 reports that sentencing is scheduled for June and that investigators allege Garcia inappropriately touched and photographed children while working at a Chandler dental office. The outlet cites police statements and recent developments in the court docket.
What the Indictment Says
A Maricopa County indictment shows prosecutors initially brought a dozen felony counts, including sexual exploitation of a minor and molestation, tied to alleged incidents between September 2022 and May 2024. The filing describes accusations that some of the conduct took place during X-ray exams and that photos of victims were taken during those visits. That charging document laid the groundwork for Garcia’s arrest and ultimately the plea he just entered.
Practice Response and Board Action
The clinic where Garcia worked, Kidiatric Dental & Orthodontics in Chandler, says it has added a slate of safeguards. Those include requiring a parent or caregiver to be in the room for X-rays, creating anonymous reporting options and tightening background checks on staff. The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners also stepped in. Under an agreement reached during its review, the board ordered chaperones at the practice and temporarily barred owner Dr. Walter Villanueva from personally treating patients, according to ABC15. Those restrictions remain in place while the criminal case is unresolved.
Civil Suits and Fallout
At least one family of an alleged victim has filed a civil lawsuit against Garcia and the practice, accusing them of negligent hiring and supervision. A second lawsuit has also been filed. Local coverage notes that one family raised concerns with the office and with police in 2022, which at the time did not result in charges, and that a new complaint in May 2024 set off the criminal investigation that followed, according to KGUN9. The civil cases are proceeding on their own track while prosecutors handle the criminal matter.
Legal Next Steps
With Garcia’s guilty plea now on the record, a judge is set to consider punishment at a sentencing hearing in June. Any prison term or other sanctions will be decided under Arizona law after prosecutors and defense attorneys submit their sentencing arguments. The civil lawsuits and the Arizona Dental Board’s administrative review are separate from the criminal proceedings and continue independently. Anyone who believes their child may have been affected is urged to contact the Chandler Police Sex Crimes Unit at 480-782-4494, according to ABC15.
