The trial of a dental assistant accused of inappropriately touching and taking images of undressed pediatric patients during dental x-ray exams at a practice in Arizona has been postponed until 2026, according to a story published by ABC15 Arizona.
The trial of Deion Garcia, who worked as a dental assistant at Kidiatric Dental & Orthodontics in Chandler, AZ, was pushed from December to next year because the case was not ready. Prosecutors, who have chosen not to offer Garcia a plea deal, are instead waiting for the dental assistant’s attorney to submit a plea proposal, which must be presented by January 14, 2026, according to the story.
Deion Alexander Garcia. Image courtesy of Maricopa County's Sheriff's Office.
Also, a psychological evaluation is being scheduled for Garcia, 29, who pleaded not guilty to 12 felonies, including sexual conduct, sexual exploitation, and molestation, involving at least three young girls.
To date, two lawsuits related to Garcia’s alleged behavior have been filed against Kidiatric.
In April, the family that triggered the initial investigation against Garcia filed a lawsuit claiming that their 6-year-old child went to Kidiatric Dental and while alone with Garcia to take x-rays, he pulled down her shorts and underwear, inappropriately touched her, and took photos of her with his phone.
Furthermore, the parents accuse Garcia and Kidiatric of negligent training, hiring, and supervision. Also, they allege the practice and its owner, Dr. Walter Villanueva, failed to properly train and supervise Garcia and that the office knew or should have known about a 2022 incident against Garcia, which didn't result in charges, was “criminal.”
In 2022, while Garcia was working at Kidiatric's practice, a 6-year-old girl reportedly told her parents that the dental assistant touched her inappropriately during her x-ray exam. The parents told police that their daughter purportedly acted differently after Garcia took her x-rays, and she allegedly said she never wanted to go back there again, according to reports.
The girl was interviewed by authorities, but no DNA evidence linked Garcia to these claims, and the investigation was closed due to a lack of evidence.
In February 2025, the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners required Kidiatric to have chaperones for minor patients due to Garcia's alleged inappropriate conduct.
Villanueva signed an agreement with the board that chaperones will monitor minor patients at both Kidiatric offices. The chaperones must be from a third-party company and must be preapproved by the board, according to the board. The practice remains under these restrictions until Garcia's criminal case is resolved.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
