SAN ANTONIO — The former CEO of Laurel Ridge Treatment Center is facing sexual abuse of a child charges, court records show.
The records show Jacob Cuellar, 45, has been charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14.
The Bexar County District Attorney's Office began reviewing the case in May 2022. In March of that year, San Antonio police responded to reports of sexual assault of a child. Police say an 11-year-old alerted family members about years worth of sexual abuse by a family friend, allegedly Jacob Cuellar.
The charges were filed Wednesday in the 379th District Court, and records show he is awaiting the setting of his trial.
"Mr. Cuellar voluntarily resigned and immediately left his position at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center three weeks ago," a spokesperson said Friday. "Based upon the information we have, 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."
Cuellar is not permitted to interact with the complainant or anyone 17 years old and younger, except family members, according to online records.
Cuellar was arrested Thursday and released on a $75,000 bond.
As for the felony charge, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 carries a punishment ranging from 25 years to life imprisonment.
Laurel Ridge is a psychiatric treatment facility for both adults and children. The facility's website no longer lists Cuellar as CEO. Chris Barela, the center's chief financial officer, is listed as the interim CEO.
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