A behavioral therapist who worked at Big Bear Behavioral Health in Maitland, Florida has been arrested on felony charges of molestation of two children she met through her practice, Polk County deputies announced on May 30, 2017. Jessica Lazzara, 42, of Mulberry, was fired from Big Bear Behavioral Health after her arrest on May 25. Lazzara was employed as an intern according to Big Bear Behavioral Health.
Lazzara was baker-acted when law enforcement arrived at the scene. At a press conference on May 30, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd made the case that Big Bear Behavioral Health did not conduct an adequate investigation of Ms. Lazzara’s background.
Deputies said the charges stem from an incident during a therapy session with children who are eleven and thirteen years old. Lazzara is charged with lewd molestation, lewd and lascivious conduct, child abuse, battery and indecent exposure. Lazzara is being held without bail as one of the alleged acts is a capital offense.
Attorney Adam Horowitz is experienced in filing lawsuits on behalf of victims of sex assault by doctors, mental health counselors, and other health care personnel. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a sexual assault, please e-mail attorney Adam Horowitz at [email protected] or call our law firm at (954) 641-2100.