ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Caregiver Pleads Guilty To 11 Felonies
Surveillance Camera Catches Alleged Theft Of Cash
Victims In Assisted Care Facility
Whether living at home under the care of an in-home caregiver or living in an assisted care facility or skilled nursing facility, older persons are at risk of abuse and neglect, often in horrible combination. In a reported case, discussed, below, a former caregiver at an assisted care facility has plead guilty to financial elder abuse and sexual abuse of residents of the facility. The alleged conduct is criminal and grounds for civil liability of the suspect, anyone who assisted him in his conduct, and potentially the owners and managers of the facility if they were negligent in hiring and sup[revising the employee. See, e.g., California Penal Code § 368 and Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 15610.30 (definition of financial elder abuse); Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 15610.63(e)(definition of elder physical abuse includes various types of sexual assault and rape); Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 15610.57 (definition of neglect). If you or a loved one is a victim of financial elder abuse, sexual abuse, nursing home abuse, or neglect here in Orange County or elsewhere in California call us today at (415)441-8669. Our toll-free number is 1-888-50EVANS (888-503-8267). We will pursue all persons responsible for your loved one’s injury including any facility owners or administrators who may have acted negligently in failing to supervise caregivers directly inflicting the injuries.
Former Caregiver Pleads Guilty To Financial Elder Abuse And Sex Crimes
In a recently reported case,[1] caregiver pleaded guilty to 11 felonies which included sexually assaulting three elderly people and stealing money and property from them and other victims in an assisted care facility, state prosecutors announced. His girlfriend and co-defendant also admitted her role in the crimes, according to the state Attorney General’s Office. She pleaded guilty to two felony counts of grand theft. The former caregiver worked an assisted living facility, as well as an at-home caretaker for clients in the same area. Police investigation into the crimes began after a surveillance camera recorded defendant entering the room of a resident at the assisted care facility and removing cash from the resident’s wallet. The investigation revealed that the caregiver and his girlfriend stole jewelry and thousands of dollars from several victims and a handgun from a couple, according to a criminal complaint. Investigators did not reveal details of the sexual assault of the assisted care residents but noted that there were three victims.
Protecting Senior Loved Ones
This kind of deplorable sexual and financial abuse of a senior or dependent adult can really only be prevented if family, loved ones, and neighbors stay involved in the elder’s or disabled person’s life. Id a loved one or friend is under the care of an in-home caregiver, visit often and look for any signs of neglect or abuse such as bruises, pressure wounds/bed sores, scratch marks, weight loss, or behavioral changes that might suggest they are being abused, neglect, or overmedicated. Monitor all financial accounts of the older person and pay special attention to where their monthly Social Security or pension benefits are being deposited. Never ever allow the senior to give a caregiver or nursing home staff member a Power of Attorney. If you suspect abuse, call elder law counsel to help you pursue all available remedies against anyone responsible for abuse, including an award of attorneys’ fees and costs for bringing your suit under Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 15657.5.
Contact Us
If you or someone you love is an older or dependent adult victim of any sexual abuse, nursing home abuse or financial abuse in Orange County or elsewhere in California, call Ingrid M. Evans at Evans Law Firm, Inc. at (415) 441-8669, or by email at <a href=”mailto:info@evanslaw.com”>info@evanslaw.com</a>. Our toll-free number is 1-888-50EVANS (888-503-8267).
[1] Evans Law Firm, Inc. was not involved in the reported case in any way.
