Teacher's Aide, 20, Accused Of Child Sex Crimes Arrested In OC

LOS ALAMITOS, CA — A Southern California man with a history of working with children was arrested in Orange County in connection with a child exploitation case.

20-year-old Taylor Dean Risner, of Granada Hills, was arrested in June after Los Alamitos Police officers received a call regarding the welfare check of a missing girl from Burlington County in the State of New Jersey.

He faces several charges, including luring a child for sex, possession of child pornography, meeting a minor for sex, manufacturing child pornography and statutory rape.

According to officers, an investigation found that the girl — who was not identified by authorities — had fallen victim to "several sex crimes." Investigators also found that Risner victimized another minor in the State of New Jersey.

In addition, the investigation found that Risner was employed as a special needs aide for Gledhill Elementary in North Hills from August 2022 to March 2023.

Authorities said that among the children Risner interacted with were non-verbal autistic children.

"The Los Alamitos Police Department would like to emphasize its commitment to the safety and well-being of children within our community," a Los Alamitos Police Department news statement read. "We want to assure the community that we are working closely with the school administration to gather all the relevant details and provide support."

No further information was immediately available.

Residents with information regarding the case were asked to contact Detective Flynn at 562-431-2255 x422 or eflynn@cityoflosalamitos.com.