New Taipei speech therapist indicted over alleged sexual abuse of 29 children

Taipei, July 17 (CNA) A speech therapist in New Taipei has been indicted for sexually abusing 29 minors with speech and cognitive impairments, with prosecutors seeking a 20-year prison sentence, according to an indictment released Friday.

Prosecutors alleged that Chen (陳) molested the children, all under the age of 12, on 107 occasions between February and March at his clinic in Banqiao District.

According to the indictment, all of the alleged victims had speech or cognitive developmental disorders and were receiving treatment at the clinic.

Because the children had difficulty expressing themselves and had not yet developed a mature understanding of sexual behavior or sexual autonomy, they were particularly vulnerable, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors alleged that Chen exploited his position as a speech therapist and the trust placed in him by the children and their parents to satisfy his own sexual desires, causing serious physical and psychological harm.

Chen was indicted on charges of aggravated forcible indecency, and prosecutors recommended a 20-year prison sentence.

The investigation began after social workers at a hospital reported the case to the New Taipei Police Department's Women and Children Protection Brigade.

Prosecutor Tsai I-pin (蔡逸品) reviewed surveillance footage from the clinic, interviewed the alleged victims and their parents, and directed police to arrest Chen under a warrant on April 2.

After questioning Chen, prosecutors successfully petitioned the New Taipei District Court to detain him incommunicado.

The case became public on April 7 after a New Taipei city councilor raised it during a council committee meeting.

Chen was indicted on Wednesday.