Elmira man arrested, allegedly hit elderly woman in face

by: Gillian Friebis

SOUTHPORT, N.Y. (WETM) — An Elmira man is facing an assault charge for allegedly hitting an elderly Southport woman in the face multiple times and giving her a black eye.

Alexander Morales, 31, was arrested on Jan. 2 after deputies from the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office were called to a disturbance in the Town of Southport. Authorities say that the deputies who responded determined that Morales struck an 86-year-old woman in her face multiple times. The assault reportedly left the woman with bruising and a black eye.

Morales was charged with second-degree assault, and his charge was read in the Town of Southport Court. After his court appearance, Morales was taken to the Chemung County Jail.

The sheriff’s office says Morales had been staying with the woman for several months before the incident. The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division is further investigating Morales’s involvement with the victim and possible additional crimes. Morales could be facing more charges, according to the sheriff’s office.

Full Article & Source:
Elmira man arrested, allegedly hit elderly woman in face

 

Man sentenced to seven years for abusing disabled, elderly residents at Riverside care facility

 by Madeline Armstrong

(The Center Square) – One of the three individuals found guilty of abusing disabled and elderly residents at an unlicensed care facility in Riverside was sentenced to seven years in state prison. According to court documents, the six victims ranging from 32 to 66, were found malnourished, living in filth and without basic care.

The “care facility” - a house - did not have the proper staff, equipment or licensing necessary to care for the residents who lived there. The other two individuals - Joel Ombao and Nimfa Molina were sentenced earlier this year and late last year.

Ombao was sentenced in July 2024 to five years in state prison for six counts of elder abuse and Molina was sentenced to 122 days in Riverside County jail in October 2023 for one misdemeanor count of elder abuse. Now, Ronnel Tiburcio is the last to be sentenced and has been convicted of six counts of elder abuse likely to produce great bodily harm and death, all of which are felonies.

The victims were housed in Secure Hands Board and Care Facility, one of Ombao’s several hospice companies. Ombao, his assistant Tiburcio and the registered nurse Molina were responsible for operating the facility and caring for the residents living there.

The facility was investigated by the Department of Justice’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (DMFEA), which investigates and prosecutes those responsible for abuse, neglect and fraud committed against elderly and dependent adults in the state in addition to those who perpetrate fraud in the Medi-Cal program, and the Riverside Police Department. DMFEA then prosecuted the case.

Attorney General Rob Bonta helped secure the convictions and sentencing.

“Individuals entrusted with the care of elderly and dependent adults have the utmost responsibility for their well-being and safety,” Bonta said. “At the California Department of Justice, we will not tolerate any elder abuse or neglect and ensure that any exploitation or harm is met with swift accountability. I want to thank my team, along with the Riverside Police Department, for bringing justice to these victims.”

Full Article & Source:
Man sentenced to seven years for abusing disabled, elderly residents at Riverside care facility

Woman who lost husband after all their children died sobs during Secret Santa surprise

The EastIdahoNews.com team is busy helping a local Secret Santa give $1 million to deserving people in eastern Idaho this holiday season. 

This is the ninth year the Secret Santa is blessing people in our community and every day, from now until the end of the year, we will post videos of the recipients being surprised with these life-changing gifts. 

Ruth Clark's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, resilience, and selflessness. She has faced more challenges and heartache than most of us can even fathom. 

She and her husband raised five beautiful children together. Their four sons were born with Muscular Dystrophy and over time, each one of them died from complications associated with this devastating illness. Her only daughter, Becky, also died from a different illness leaving Ruth and her husband with no living children. 

Despite the weight and disappointment of losing all her children, Ruth embraced her role as a caregiver with grace and dedication. She balanced her role as a devoted wife and mother with her job, which she held for many years. She sacrificed her own dreams and desires to ensure her family received the care, attention, and love they needed. Her strength, both physical and emotional, was nothing short of remarkable. It was not uncommon for her to work a full day and then come home to attend to her children’s needs, all the while ensuring her husband had the support he required. 

After Secret Santa surprised a young father with ALS in 2017, Ruth called and asked if she and her husband Rick could donate their wheelchair-accessible van to the family. She showed up at their Ucon home and gave them the vehicle. Tragically, Rick died last month, leaving a void in Ruth's heart that will never truly heal. 

Secret Santa heard about Ruth and asked the East Idaho News team to pay her a visit with an early Christmas gift. Watch the surprise in the video player above.

Source:
Woman who lost husband after all their children died sobs during Secret Santa surprise

USAO Ends 2024 with Notable Achievements to Combat Elder Fraud

For Immediate Release

U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Ohio

CLEVELAND – Combatting elder fraud continues to be a top priority for the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Ohio, in 2024 and beyond. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal law violations that occur in any of the 40 northern counties in the state of Ohio which the district serves.

Prosecutors in the USAO’s White Collar Crimes Unit carry out the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiatives, which include a commitment to combatting elder abuse, neglect, financial fraud, and other scams that target our nation’s senior citizens. Elder fraud schemes take a variety of forms that range from small-scale identity thefts to mass mail fraud schemes that steal money and other assets from thousands of elderly victims. Annually, these fraud schemes bilk seniors out of billions of dollars throughout the country.

“Many fraud crimes that target our elderly population involve criminals taking advantage of this group’s trusting nature. Fraudsters falsely claim to be government officials or promise to help with computer issues, persuading victims to provide fraudsters with access to their personal information,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “Our office prioritizes prosecuting those who prey on the elderly members of our communities in an attempt to steal their savings.”

Notable cases in 2024 that involved elder fraud include:

U.S. v. Alahmad - A caregiver forged a power of attorney document and used it to apply for, and receive, credit and debit cards in the name of the victim who was an elderly adult. The victim was in a nursing home rehabilitation facility while the defendant made unauthorized withdrawals and purchases using the victim’s credit and debit cards. Alahmad was sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $46,064.30.

U.S. v. Xie – A Chinese national college student on an F‐1 Visa traveled across the country, worked as a “money mule” who picked up cash from older victims, and then transferred the funds to his handler. Xie was sentenced to 16 months in prison and ordered to pay $188,000 in restitution.

U.S. v. Wehman – The defendant was charged with wire fraud for stealing from his grandfather by using credit cards, debit cards, and a line of credit. He was sentenced to 37 months in prison and ordered to pay $376,069.46 in restitution.

U.S. v. Turnipseede – The defendant defrauded approximately 72 investors out of more than $8.5 million through a Ponzi scheme that promised investors double-digit profits achieved through a purported algorithm designed to generate double-digit returns through various sports wagering businesses. Defendant used investor money to maintain the business, seek new sources of funds, pay off earlier investors, and fund personal expenses. He is scheduled to be sentenced March 3, 2025.

U.S. v. Alexander – The defendant and other involved individuals engaged in a cold‐calling scheme that targeted older investors throughout the United States. They used aggressive and deceptive tactics and promised large returns if the victims participated in wine and whiskey investments. The court sentenced Alexander to three years of probation and ordered him to pay $202,195.58 in restitution.

U.S. v. Mangukia – Defendants were charged in a conspiracy for falsely posing as customer service employees at a company or bank. Co-conspirators contacted a victim and falsely claimed that the victim’s account was at risk or had been compromised by a hacking event or similar computer intrusion. The conspirators directed the victim to make a wire transfer, convert cash to cryptocurrency at a Bitcoin ATM, and withdraw cash to purchase gold coins and bars. Defendants then traveled to Ohio to pick up the gold bars.

U.S. v. Chaudhary – Defendants were charged as part of a conspiracy for falsely posing as customer service employees at a company or bank. Co-conspirators contacted a victim and falsely claimed that the victim’s account was at risk or had been compromised by a hacking event or similar computer intrusion. The conspirators directed the victim to withdraw cash and had a conspirator pick up the cash from the victim's home.

U.S. v. Kai – The defendant approached victims through social media to invest money into cryptocurrency. Victims were instructed to deposit their money through a “service director” affiliated with a cryptocurrency business. The service director informed the victims that deposits were to be made in person and in cash-only transactions. During one of these transactions, Kai was identified as the individual in a vehicle scheduled to take the victims’ money.

Additionally, USAO staff conducted numerous public outreach efforts to educate the community to be aware of elder fraud scams including:

• “Courier and Grandparent Scams,” National Consumer Protection Week Meeting
• “Tops Scams for 2024,” St. Mary of the Woods Senior Living Community, FBI Organized Crime Conference, and Parma Snow Branch Library
• “Elder Fraud Scams and Robocalls,” St. Mary of the Woods Independent Living
• “Elder Fraud and Cold Calling Investment Scams,” AARP Podcast interview

To report crimes, visit https://tips.fbi.gov/home or https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/financial-exploitation .

Contact

Jessica Salas Novak

Jessica.Salas.Novak@usdoj.gov 

Updated January 4, 2025

Source:
USAO Ends 2024 with Notable Achievements to Combat Elder Fraud

Social isolation one of the biggest risk factors for elder abuse

by: Corbin Warnock

NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — Elder abuse happens all year, but it is more noticeable during the winter months.

Leaders from Adult Protective Services say their reports for fiscal year 2024 were 4,731, which is up more than 200 from fiscal year 2023.

Ali Brown, an investigator with the Adult Protective Services, says self-neglect and financial exploitation were the most common allegations. Social isolation is also one of the most significant risk factors.

Brown says they see abuse coming from all types of communities, from rural farmsteads to nursing homes. Elders are also victims of scams like cryptocurrency and romance.

Brown says not to trust people online or on the phone for who they say they are because scammers are skilled at manipulating people.

“They make it seem urgent. They make it so you don’t tell anybody else. They may be pretending to be a detective, they may be pretending to be the IRS, there are a variety of scams that are out there,” said Brown.

Brown says they already have received calls of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in 2025.

Full Article & Source:
Social isolation one of the biggest risk factors for elder abuse

Safeguarding Our Seniors: Recognizing and Preventing Elder Abuse in Colorado

by John Mali

Caring for our elderly loved ones is a responsibility that unites communities across Colorado. Seniors have spent their lives building the foundations of the places we call home, and it’s our collective duty to ensure they live their golden years in comfort, dignity, and safety. Unfortunately, elder abuse remains a pressing issue, often hidden behind closed doors in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

From bustling urban centers like Aurora to the vibrant community of Boulder, safeguarding seniors is a statewide concern. Understanding the signs of elder abuse and knowing how to take action are vital steps every family should take to protect their loved ones and hold accountable those who fail to provide proper care.

Recognizing the Signs of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse can take many forms, often going unnoticed until significant harm has occurred. For families, understanding the warning signs is the first step toward ensuring their loved ones are safe and well cared for.

Common signs of elder abuse include:

• Physical Abuse: Unexplained bruises, burns, or fractures.
• Emotional Abuse: Sudden withdrawal, depression, or fearfulness around specific caregivers.
• Financial Exploitation: Missing belongings, unauthorized withdrawals, or unexpected changes in legal documents.
• Neglect: Dehydration, malnutrition, poor hygiene, or untreated medical conditions.

In Colorado, families can draw on the strong community connections that exist across the state to support their seniors. Whether in Boulder’s close-knit neighborhoods or Aurora’s bustling urban centers, maintaining regular communication with elderly loved ones and staying attentive to warning signs can significantly improve their safety and well-being.

A Statewide Effort to Protect Seniors

Caring for seniors is a shared commitment across Colorado. Communities like Boulder and Aurora exemplify how collective efforts can address elder care challenges and improve conditions in nursing homes.

Boulder fosters a culture of health and wellness through programs that enhance seniors’ quality of life, while Aurora’s diversity brings unique challenges and opportunities for elder care advocacy. Despite their differences, both cities share the goal of ensuring seniors are safe, respected, and cared for.

Families concerned about mistreatment in Aurora nursing homes can seek justice and explore their options with the help of an experienced Aurora nursing home attorney. By fostering collaboration and staying vigilant, communities across Colorado can create safer environments where seniors can thrive.

Taking Action to Prevent Elder Abuse

Preventing elder abuse requires a proactive approach, combining family vigilance with community and professional support.

Steps families can take to prevent elder abuse:

• Stay Involved: Regular visits and open communication with loved ones.
• Educate Yourself: Learn about residents’ rights and responsibilities of nursing homes.
• Know the Warning Signs: Identify physical, emotional, financial, and neglect-related abuse early.
• Report Suspicious Behavior: Speak up if you suspect abuse.

Education is key to empowering families to advocate effectively. Reputable resources, like the National Center on Elder Abuse’s guide to prevention, provide valuable information on identifying abuse and taking action to protect vulnerable seniors.

Communities also play a vital role by organizing local support groups and hosting informational sessions to raise awareness. By working together, families and communities can ensure seniors live in safety, dignity, and respect.

Resources for Colorado Families

Ensuring the well-being of our seniors requires a collective effort, and Colorado offers a variety of resources to support families in this endeavor. Boulder boasts numerous programs aimed at improving seniors’ quality of life, offering opportunities for social engagement and services like transportation and home assistance. These initiatives strengthen the bonds within the community while helping seniors thrive.

When families suspect mistreatment in nursing homes, knowing when to seek legal help is essential for protecting their loved ones and holding facilities accountable. Professionals with experience in Colorado’s elder care laws can guide families through the process and ensure justice is served.

Statewide programs and support groups provide education, emotional support, and practical assistance to families. These resources ensure that both seniors and their caregivers have the support they need to address challenges and maintain a high quality of life.

Conclusion

Caring for seniors in Colorado requires attention, action, and collaboration from families and communities alike. By understanding the signs of elder abuse, utilizing available resources, and taking timely legal steps when necessary, families can help protect their loved ones and ensure they live with dignity and respect.

Though Boulder and Aurora are different in their makeup, they exemplify the shared commitment of Colorado communities to addressing eldercare challenges. Together, we can foster an environment where seniors live safely and with dignity.

Full Article & Source:
Safeguarding Our Seniors: Recognizing and Preventing Elder Abuse in Colorado