Complaint·June 30, 2023

During a previous inspection on 07/22/2021, LPA Lopez met with interim Administrator Jacob Primeau, reviewed records and conducted interviews with R2 and one staff member. Mr. Primeau was the Administrator until former Administrator Martha Berard was replaced. Mr. Primeau stated they began working at the facility at the end of May 2021. He stated the former Administrator advised him of the alleged theft concerning R1 that had been brought to her attention by a family member of R1, but he had no knowledge of any other alleged thefts in the building. During the course of the investigation, the LPA obtained and reviewed Ventura County Sheriff’s reports for two alleged credit card thefts pertaining to R1 in April 2021 and for R2 in approximately October 2020. R1 no longer resides at the facility as of May 2021. Information received alleged R1 had two fraudulent charges in person on 04/16/21 in Reseda and on 04/17/21 in Woodland Hills. Although information received revealed R1 was mostly non-verbal and wheelchair bound, there is insufficient evidence to support a staff member made these charges or participated in this theft. Information received during the investigation also revealed R2 had some fraudulent charges on their credit card and law enforcement identified Individual #1 (I1) as a person of interest. The LPA reviewed the criminal record clearance data base and this individual is not currently finger print cleared or associated to any licensed facilities in our data base. The LPA also checked with facility personnel and this individual was never a permanent employee or temporary agency staff member who worked at their facility. The interview with R2 revealed they recalled a theft occurred when they first moved in with their credit card but it had been resolved. R2 also reported cash missing from the their room but facility records and staff interviews revealed the reported missing cash was located in the resident’s room. Based on the information received there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation of 'Facility staff financially abused residents'. Therefore, the allegation is deemed unsubstantiated at this time. Exit interview and report reviewed with Ian Gadea. A copy of the report and appeal rights were provided.