The Dallas Police Department arrested an Oak Lawn counselor last week after authorities said he allegedly sexually assaulted a 13-year-old patient who was diagnosed with autism.
Troy Jefferson Welty, 60, is now facing one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child.
According to an arrest affidavit, the Dallas Police Department officers received a call in the afternoon of October 29.
The incident occurred in the 3000 block of Hood Street, where Welty’s office is located. Responding officers met with the girl and her family for an interview.
The affidavit stated that the victim’s sister told Dallas police that the 13-year-old had an appointment with the counselor that morning and reported the assault to her mother immediately afterward.
The sister revealed that the 13-year-old victim has the mental capacity of an 8-year-old. She said her sister is diagnosed with autism, epilepsy, and hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain.
According to the affidavit, the 13-year-old told Dallas PD detectives that Welty allegedly pulled down her pants and then sexually assaulted her.
The 60-year-old counselor was booked into the Dallas County jail and has since posted a $50,000 bond following his arrest.
A look at Welty’s profile on Psychology Today shows the 60-year-old is a licensed professional counselor who specializes in the treatment of children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, behavioral problems, and learning disorders.
According to his Psychology Today profile, Welty also received specialized training and experience in Evaluation, Counseling, and Person-Centered Therapeutic Play Therapy at The University of North Texas.
As per the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, the 60-year-old does not have any disciplinary history, and his license remains active. It’s unclear whether Welty has an attorney.