RIVERSIDE — A former behavioral therapist who sexually assaulted a young girl with physical and psychological disabilities pleaded guilty to lewd acts on a child and other offenses and is due for sentencing in December.

Mitchell Akira Takata, 22, of Los Altos admitted the molestation count, as well as attempted sexual assault of a minor under 10 years old, under a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. In exchange for his admissions, prosecutors agreed to drop an attempted rape charge against Takata.

The plea deal was announced Friday, just as the defendant’s case was called for a preliminary hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice. Superior Court Judge Juan Dominguez scheduled a sentencing hearing for Dec. 15 at the downtown courthouse, according to cour

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