Dental Assistant Accused of Molesting A Minor During Dental Visits

A dental assistant who worked at offices in Bellflower and Rosemead remained in custody today, in lieu of $320,000 bail, on suspicion of molesting a 15-year-old girl during dental visits.

Saul Robles, 36, is charged with three felony counts of committing a lewd act upon a child and one misdemeanor count of child molesting. The criminal complaint alleges that the crimes occurred between last June 1 and Feb. 28.

Robles, who was arrested at work March 5, entered a not-guilty plea two days later. He is due back in El Monte Superior Court on April 5, when a date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require him to stand trial.

Robles has worked at SmileCare Dental, which has offices in Bellflower and Rosemead, over the past four years and has been a dental hygienist in the Los Angeles area for the past six years, according to the sheriff's department.

The teen told her parents of the alleged abuse, and they contacted authorities.

A statement released today by SmileCare said the company was informed of the allegations against Robles by the sheriff's department.

"Prior to being notified by law enforcement, SmileCare had no knowledge of the allegations and is cooperating fully with authorities,'' the statement says. "We regard our patients' rights to privacy and professionalism as fundamental. We will continue to cooperate with law enforcement in its investigation.''

Detectives asked for the public's help in finding other possible victims. Anyone with information relevant to the case was urged to call the sheriff's Special Victims Bureau at (877) 710-5273.

- City News Service

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