Two Fort Bend County Behavior Analysts Suspended for Unreported Child Abuse

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has issued an emergency order suspending the licenses of two Fort Bend County behavior analysts after they failed to notify law enforcement that one of their employees may have sexually assaulted a child in their care.

TDLR suspended the licenses of Brittany Darden-Gonzales and Carina Pinto, prohibiting them from providing behavior analysis services for two years unless a judge sets aside the emergency order. A hearing will be scheduled within 10 days in the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

According to TDLR, the case began on July 17 when a four-year-old child told his mother that a behavior technician had touched his genitals during a treatment session. The mother reported the allegation to the facility, which placed the employee on two weeks of administrative leave. However, supervisors Darden-Gonzales and Pinto did not report the suspected abuse to law enforcement, as required under Texas law.

The employee accused of misconduct was registered with a professional association but not licensed or regulated by the state, meaning TDLR cannot take direct action against him.

Behavior analysts provide therapeutic services for individuals managing behavioral challenges, often working with parents, teachers, and other professionals to implement treatment and support plans.