“It is important that we hold accountable those who prey on elderly and dependent adults in our state.  The elderly and dependent deserve to be safe and financially protected.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

OAKLAND–On March 21, 2025, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that felony grand theft charges have been filed against an unlicensed room and board operator who allegedly stole from an elder resident while the resident was hospitalized.

The California Department of Justice initiated an investigation based on a complaint referral from Contra Costa County Adult Protective Services regarding allegations of financial exploitation, neglect, psychological abuse, and isolation at unlicensed facilities operated in Contra Costa. The investigation alleges that from May to September 2021, the room and board operator fraudulently withdrew money on multiple occasions from the elder adult’s bank account.  
 
“Caregivers of seniors and dependent adults bear a significant responsibility to prioritize the safety and overall health of those in their care,” said Attorney General Bonta. “At the California Department of Justice, we are dedicated to combating all forms of elder abuse and neglect. We will act swiftly to hold accountable anyone who harms or takes advantage of these at-risk members of our community.”
 
The complaint was filed in Contra Costa County Superior Court.  Charges include grand theft from an elder adult and grand theft by access card. The defendant self-surrendered to Contra Costa Superior Court and is scheduled to be arraigned on April 16, 2025.

Criminal charges must be proven in a court of law. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

DMFEA works to protect Californians by investigating and prosecuting those responsible for abuse, neglect, and fraud committed against elderly and dependent adults in the state, and those who perpetrate fraud on the Medi-Cal program.

 
A copy of the complaint can be found here.