CA: Monterey Public Guardian Seeks to Chemically Restrain Elder Abuse Victim

On January 29, 2014, the Monterey County, California Public Guardian sought permissionn from the Court to forcibly administer psychotropic medications to conservatee and elder abuse victim Margarita Zelada.  The court continued the hearing to Wednesday, March 19, 2014, when they will again consider whether the Public Guardian will forcibly administer chemical restraint to a frail elderly woman who pleads for her liberty.

 

In March 2013, the Public Guardian engaged Pacific Grove Police Department to forcibly remove Margarita from her daughter’s home where she was visiting. Witnesses tell of ten officers with guns drawn and leveled Margarita’s daughter.

 

A private duty nurse recalls a female officer “barrel chested” Margarita’s daughter after the daughter asked to see a warrant authorizing entry into her home. No warrant was presented.

 

The same nurse said Margarita’s screams were the most horrible thing she ever heard. A year later, Margarita’s nightmare continues.

 

Margarita is imprisoned and isolated at Senior Paradise in Del Rey Oaks, over two hours from her home in San Francisco. The front door of the facility has three locks preventing entry or escape. Director Margaret Camera told elder rights advocates the Public Guardian instructed her to call police if anyone asked to visit Margarita.

 

Bowing to pressure from elder rights advocates, the Public Guardian allowed Margarita three short visits with her daughter in fall of 2013. Margarita spoke of being in prison and begged for her liberty.

The Public Guardian terminated the visits. Margarita last visited with her daughter on November 15, 2013.

 

The Public Guardian also obtained a court order denying Margarita her right to contact with advocates. Monterey County was the first to seek an order specifically crafted to circumvent the personal rights stated in AB937, signed into law in August 2013.
 

Seeking validation to further violate Margarita’s civil rights, the Public Guardian will return to court on March 19 with a motion to forcibly administer psychotropic medications.

The Public Guardian reports to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. Readers may contact the Board at the following email addresses.

District 1: Fernando Armenta, district1@co.monterey.ca.us
District 2: Louis R. Calcagno, district2@co.monterey.ca.us
District 3: Simón Salinas, district3@co.monterey.ca.us
District 4: Jane Parker, district4@co.monterey.ca.us
District 5: Dave Potter, district5@co.monterey.ca.us

 

Full Article and Source:
Monterey County Public Guardian Seeks to Chemically Restrain Elder Abuse Victim

See Also:
NASGA:  Margarita Zelada, California Victim