Police Suspect Social Worker May Have Molested Multiple Children

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles police are asking for help locating children who may have been sexually abused by a former social worker tasked with protecting them.

Ruben Alonso Herrera, 26, was arrested Wednesday at the 8400 block of Cedros Avenue in Panorama City on suspicion of unlawful sex with a minor. He is being held behind bars on $25,000 bail. According to police, Herrera allegedly took advantage of his position as a contracted social worker and gained the trust of his victim before sexually assaulting the child, police said.

Herrara was not employed by the county. It's unknown, however, if he provided services as a contract worker.

Detectives believe he may have additional potential victims who did not report the crime. Anyone with information about other potential victims of sexual abuse are encouraged to contact Mission Area Sex Crime detectives at (818) 838-9971, or 1-800-222-TIPS.