Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced felony grand theft charges against an unlicensed Room and Board Operator. The individual is accused of stealing from an elder resident during their hospitalization. This case was brought to the attention of the California Department of Justice by Contra Costa County Adult Protective Services, following allegations of financial exploitation, neglect, psychological abuse, and isolation at facilities in Contra Costa.

The investigation found that between May and September 2021, the operator allegedly withdrew funds multiple times from the elder'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."

Charges were filed in Contra Costa County Superior Court for grand theft from an elder adult and grand theft by access card. The defendant surrendered voluntarily to the court and is scheduled for arraignment on April 16, 2025.

It should be noted that criminal charges must be proven in a court, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (DMFEA) is tasked with protecting Californians by investigating abuse, neglect, fraud against elderly adults in the state, as well as fraud involving the Medi-Cal program. DMFEA receives 75 percent of its funding from a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant totaling $69,244,976 for Federal fiscal year 2025. The remaining funding comes from the State of California.