A teenage client’s report that she was groomed during counseling and sexually assaulted in 2024 has led to the arrest of a former Goodyear counselor in north Phoenix, according to court records. The arrest happened this week, and investigators say the case remains active.
According to Arizona's Family, court filings state the teen told investigators the counselor groomed her during therapy sessions, then sexually assaulted her in 2024. The outlet reports Phoenix police later took the former Goodyear counselor into custody in north Phoenix, and that those filings form the backbone of the case.
Legal context
Under Arizona law, sexual conduct with a minor is classified as a felony in A.R.S. §13-1405, with penalties that vary based on the victim’s age and whether the accused held a position of trust. Maricopa County’s overview notes that convictions can trigger “dangerous crimes against children” sentencing enhancements for younger victims. Maricopa County provides a plain-English rundown of the statutes and potential prison terms.
What happens next
After an arrest like this, detectives typically submit their evidence to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, which decides whether to file formal charges and which court will handle the case. If the counselor held a state license, the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners can also launch its own licensing investigation and may take emergency action, such as a summary suspension, under state rules; see A.R.S. §32-3281 for details on the board’s disciplinary powers.
Details remain limited
Public information is still thin, and current reporting is based largely on court records reviewed by local media. Arizona's Family is the outlet that has reported on those filings so far, and authorities have not yet released a full charging statement.
If you or someone you know has been affected, contact the Arizona Department of Child Safety's child-abuse hotline at 1-888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445) or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673). See the Arizona Department of Child Safety and RAINN for additional resources and support.
