Michigan Senate panel reviews bills to curb exploitation by professional guardians

Water affordability, energy efficiency bills also advance

By: Kyle Davidson

Members of the Michigan Senate Housing and Human Services Committee on Tuesday heard from real estate professionals, elder justice advocates and others on bipartisan bills inspired by the attorney general’s Elder Abuse Task Force to better protect people under guardianship.

The bills, introduced by the committee’s Chair Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) and Sen. Ruth Johnson (R-Holly), require an appraisal if a conservator is looking to sell their ward’s home. The package also requires a court to find that it is in an individual’s best interest should their appointed guardian seek to change their residence. 

“When you have this sort of situation where someone has someone else appointed to handle their affairs and handle their personal financial details, that process is not just difficult and nuanced for everyone, but it does create opportunities for abuse,” Irwin said. 

During her time as both the Michigan Secretary of State and a lawmaker, Johnson said she’d spoken to dozens of families who watched as their loved one was removed from their home without a hearing and their house was sold far below market value. 

“These families have no legal recourse. That’s because once an order is signed appointing a guardian, they have almost completely unchecked control to make these decisions,” Johnson said, noting that there are currently no minimum standards, education, certification or licensing requirements for guardians who are not related to their ward, often referred to as professional guardians. 

As such, there is not an authority where individuals can report unethical behavior, Johnson said.

Testifying before the committee in support of the bills, journalist Gretchen Rachel Hammond pointed to an investigation she’d conducted alongside a team of journalists and forensic accountants examining 2,278 cases filed before all four of Oakland County’s probate court judges, centered on four probate attorneys acting as professional guardians. 

“At the time of our investigation, the wards of whom they were given charge numbered in the hundreds per guardian,” Hammond said. “In 97% of the cases we examined within a month of being declared an incapacitated ward, an individual, or in some cases, siblings or a husband and wife, were removed from their home by the guardians.” 

The investigation saw these individuals removed from their homes and placed into “subhuman and dangerous” living conditions, while their property was dispensed of without further oversight from the probate court judge, Hammond said. 

“It is a lack of oversight in Michigan and states across the country that has opened the door for professional guardians to engage in crimes that were frankly shocking, heartbreaking and occurred in plain view of a state and judge who had given them encompassing unchecked power over the lives of their victims,” Hammond said. 

While the bill received support from members of the Michigan Elder Justice Initiative, the Michigan Guardianship Association and Michigan Realtors, which advocates for real estate professionals, some attendees offered their thoughts on how the bills could be improved. 

Alison Hirschel, program director and managing attorney of the Michigan Elder Justice Initiative, asked for some additional protections within Johnson’s Senate Bill 586 to ensure individuals under guardianship are only moved from their residency when it is appropriate, and to a place that meets their needs. 

Hirschel’s proposal would require guardians seeking to move a ward to include details such as the reason for the move, efforts to keep the person in their home with added support, whether the new setting is more restrictive, the move’s impact on the person and their relationships, and whether the individual agrees with it.

Hirschel also requested language requiring the court appoint a guardian ad litem in these cases to act in the ward’s best interest, and set a hearing, alongside laying out the duties of the guardian ad litem to ensure the court makes a determination in the matter that is in the individual under guardianship’s best interests. 

Hirschel also advocated for the court to appoint counsel for a person who is opposing the move, or for whom the move may not be in their best interest. 

Additionally, she requested language laying out procedures so that a judge can determine in situations like a temporary emergency move whether that move should be permanent, while requiring the guardian to maintain their ward’s residence to the greatest extent possible until permission is given. 

“Finally, if a sale is necessary, we want to make sure that the guardian makes reasonable efforts to communicate with the individual and family about preserving some items that are of great sentimental value to the person,” Hirschel said, noting that her group had heard a number of stories where guardians had disposed of items that held enormous meaning to their wards and the individual’s family.

Rana Lechlitner of the Michigan Guardianship Association said that the group appreciates the intent behind the two bills, but noted Irwin’s Senate Bill 585 would require a conservator to pay for an appraisal of their charge’s home out of pocket, adding additional financial strain to an already stressful role. 

Additionally, in most conservatorship cases, the list price for a house is established before the house is placed on the market, Lechlitner said, though the approval process varies widely across counties. 

“We believe there is an opportunity to build on these strong local practices by considering a uniform statewide standard that protects individuals assets without imposing unnecessary costs or delay,” Lechlitner said. 

Jennifer Warnos, the executive director of Guardianship Finance and Advocacy Services also offered her support for the policies alongside suggestions to improve Johnson’s bill, including clarification that a judge can provide approval to move someone under guardianship from their residency after they have already been moved due to an emergency situation. 

Instead of mandating a full court hearing to determine if an individual under guardianship should be moved, Warnos asked if the judge could place their written approval or denial within a case file to meet the bill’s requirements, in order to avoid burdening with the legal fees associated with a court appearance and filings. 

Warnos urged lawmakers to include family members under the two bills’ regulations and to clarify the definition of “residence” in Johnson’s bill, warning it could pose challenges for high-needs wards who move often. She also noted that guardianship clients range in age from 18 and up, not just older adults.

Committee advances policies on water affordability, energy efficiency improvements for low income households

Before taking testimony on the Irwin and Johnson bills, the committee advanced a package of water affordability bills to the Senate floor after similar efforts stalled last session. 

Senate Bills 248–256, led by state Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) passed the committee without opposition, though Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Coldwater) opted to pass while voting on several bills in the package. 

The committee also referred another policy, Senate Bill 562, to the Senate floor. The bill would direct more federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds toward housing upgrades by removing the state’s 15% cap on weatherization funding and requiring at least 12.5% go to improvements such as insulation, air sealing, thermostat installation and furnace upgrades. 

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Michigan Senate panel reviews bills to curb exploitation by professional guardians 

Amended Filing: Elderly Couple Alleges Bank of America Enabled $18.5M Fraud

By: BlockTribune Staff Reporter

On Thursday, October 23, 2025, Lawrence Liu and Ling-Ling Liu filed a first amended complaint in the US District Court for the Northern District of California against Bank of America, N.A., alleging financial elder abuse, unfair business practices, and seeking a refund of unauthorized payments due to economic duress. The Lius, an 84-year-old man and a 76-year-old woman, claim they lost $18.5 million in life savings due to the bank’s negligence in preventing elder financial exploitation.

The complaint states that in July 2024, the Lius were targeted by fraudsters who, through psychological manipulation and fake government documents, convinced Mr. Liu to transfer his assets, first from Charles Schwab to Bank of America, and then to a cryptocurrency exchange account (Unchained Trading, LLC) controlled by the fraudsters. The funds were subsequently absconded.

The Lius assert that Mr. Liu was under severe economic duress, rendering him unable to exercise independent judgment. They argue that the wire transfer instructions were not voluntary acts but the product of unlawful coercion, making the payment orders unauthorized and voidable under California law.

The complaint highlights that elder financial exploitation is a growing national crisis, costing Americans billions annually. The Lius contend that financial institutions, like Bank of America, serve as critical gatekeepers in preventing these crimes, but often prioritize profits over their legal and moral obligations to protect vulnerable elder customers.

The Lius allege that Bank of America had knowledge, tools, and legal obligations to stop the fraud. They point out that a Bank of America branch in Walnut, California, recognized the fraud on August 1, 2024, and refused to process a $700,000 wire transfer. However, the bank failed to flag the suspicious activity, allowing Mr. Liu to request and have the same transfer authorized at a different branch in Diamond Bar, California, the next day. This was the first of seven increasingly large transfers approved over the following six weeks.

The complaint states that Bank of America lacked commercially reasonable security procedures, despite knowing the Lius were elderly, had never sent a wire transfer before, millions of dollars were suddenly flooding their account, one branch had already determined Mr. Liu was a fraud victim, and Mr. Liu was making increasingly large transfers to a cryptocurrency exchange. Instead of heightened scrutiny, the Lius were upgraded to “Diamond” status to profit from the increased account activity.

The Lius seek a refund of the unauthorized payment orders, compensatory and punitive damages, and equitable relief.

The complaint references a similar case, Rootenberg v. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., highlighting the pervasive problem of financial institutions failing to protect elders. It also cites various advisories and guidelines from government agencies, including FinCEN, the Department of Justice, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, outlining the red flags of elder financial exploitation and the obligations of financial institutions to detect and prevent it.

The complaint also refers to a December 2024 Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) Consent Order against Bank of America, acknowledging the bank’s failure to comply with the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and implementing regulations. The OCC’s findings point to deficiencies in internal controls, BSA officer oversight, independent testing, and training components of the bank’s BSA compliance program. 

Full Article & Source:
Amended Filing: Elderly Couple Alleges Bank of America Enabled $18.5M Fraud 

Rogers County Sheriff’s Office arrests elderly woman for abuse, solicitation for murder

By Kirk McCracken

(Rogers County Sheriff's Office)

OWASSO -- An elderly woman is behind bars after allegedly disconnecting her husband’s oxygen tank numerous times and attempting to find someone to kill him.

On Nov. 1, the Rogers County Sheriff’s Department arrested 73-year old Naomi Austin on complaints of Solicitation for Murder and Abuse or Exploitation by Caretaker.

Reports say, first responders were called to an Owasso home on Saturday after a 77-year old man told dispatchers his wife had intentionally disconnected his oxygen supply and was abusing him.

The report also states the husband told investigators Austin allegedly asked an individual to kill him. Deputies then interviewed the individual who confirmed that Austin attempted to facilitate her husband’s death.

First responders were called to the house previously in October because Austin refused to hook up her husband’s oxygen.

Deputies determined Austin willfully refused to provide proper care and deprived her husband of oxygen on numerous occasions. 

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Rogers County Sheriff’s Office arrests elderly woman for abuse, solicitation for murder 

Louisiana Caretaker Faces Charges After Exploiting Elderly Woman

BATON ROUGE, LA (KPEL) —A Louisiana assisted living worker was fired and arrested after stealing thousands of dollars from a disabled patient.

WAFB is reporting that the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office arrested 31-year-old Kelsianna Smith on Monday after an investigation uncovered she had a history of exploiting an elderly resident at Holly Court Assisted Living and Memory Care.

The patient who is paralyzed and suffering from Alzheimer's became a victim when her caretaker began cashing forged checks, racking up over two thousand dollars in stolen funds.

Thankfully, the victim's daughter, who checks on her mother frequently, noticed several checks written from the account to Smith and immediately notified the authorities. 

The checks were deposited into two bank accounts that both belong to the Smiths.

Now, Smith has been booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison and is facing exploitation of the infirm, eight counts of forgery, felony theft over $1,000, and two counts of bank fraud charges.

This is a developing story, and the KPEL News Team is working to provide additional coverage for Acadiana.  

Full Article & Source:
Louisiana Caretaker Faces Charges After Exploiting Elderly Woman 

Nation's largest senior living operator agrees to renovate, change policies as part of settlement

By Candice Nguyen, Michael Bott and Michael Horn

Putting an end to eight years of litigation, the nation's largest senior living operator is agreeing to upgrade some of its facilities – by making them safer and more accessible for seniors – as part of a class action settlement in federal court last month. 

More than 80 families came forward as part of a lawsuit against Brookdale Senior Living, accusing the company of elder financial abuse, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and operating “a system of understaffed assisted living facilities that fails to consistently provide even the most basic level of promised care.”

Plaintiff Bernadette Jestrabek-Hart, who lives at Brookdale Scotts Valley, applauded the settlement, and described access issues endured by seniors with mobility issues.

“I have an electric scooter and they wouldn’t take my scooter on the bus,” Jestrabek-Hart said. “They kept telling me the ramp wasn’t strong enough.”

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Brookdale must renovate three of its California facilities, including Brookdale San Ramon and Brookdale Scotts Valley in the Bay Area and Brookdale Brookhurst in Southern California, by bringing common areas and certain types of resident units into ADA compliance. Brookdale also agreed to make staffing levels more transparent and ensure its evacuation plans accounted for wheelchair-bound seniors at the San Ramon and Scotts Valley locations. 

Gay Grunfeld, co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs in the Brookdale suit, called the settlement historic.

“To my knowledge, [it’s] the first time that an assisted living facility in the United States has been required, albeit under a settlement, to make remediations, renovations to a facility to come into compliance with the national mandate with the [Americans with Disabilities Act],” Grunfeld said.

While Grunfeld said she was “pleased with the outcome,” she lamented the deaths of four plaintiffs during the litigation. 

“They were very important to us,” Grunfeld said.

The class action lawsuit isn’t the only instance where Brookdale has been accused of subpar care.

In 2021, Brookdale’s Napa facility was cited by the state for persistent staffing shortages and for failing to properly investigate after a resident fell 10 separate times and ended up in the hospital. That same year, state inspectors cited Brookdale’s assisted living facility in San Jose, stating staff took 44 minutes to call 911 after a resident showed stroke symptoms.

Brookdale says it has made corrections to address both violations. 

In 2022, California’s attorney general announced a $3.25 million settlement with Brookdale after alleging the company misrepresented the quality of care at 10 skilled nursing facilities in the state. Brookdale did not admit fault and said it settled the case due to rising legal fees.

Grunfeld said she hopes the entire senior living industry takes notice of Brookdale’s latest settlement. 

“This settlement sends a message to all assisted living providers here in California and nationally that the best practice and the national requirement is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act,” she said.

Brookdale sent a statement responding to the settlement, saying:

“We are pleased to have reached a settlement that is favorable to Brookdale and includes no finding of wrongdoing. While we continue to dispute the allegations, we can now move forward and stay focused on delivering high quality of care and services to our residents.”

Jestrabek-Hart said she’s already noticing a difference in how Brookdale Scotts Valley is addressing complaints from residents but hopes other senior living operators follow suit.

“I have friends now in other facilities that are having some of the same concerns,” she said. “So, if [those facilities] see that they really need to follow the ADA, maybe they'll start doing it.”

Brookdale has five years to complete the court-ordered renovations. 

Full Article & Source:
Nation's largest senior living operator agrees to renovate, change policies as part of settlement 

Montgomery Twp. Woman Wanted, Financially Exploited Elderly Resident: Police

by Justin Heinze,

Kavena Rashena Stover, 36, faces numerous charges, including fraud. (Montgomery Township Police Department)

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP, PA — Authorities are asking for the public's help in tracking down a woman wanted for exploiting an older adult in Montgomery Township.

Kavena Rashena Stover, 36, faces numerous charges, including fraud.

Police did not elaborate on specifics of hercase, but said that it involves financial exploitation of someone who was "care-dependent," either in a nursing home or receiving similar care.

Anyone with any information should contact Detective Todd Walter at 215-362-2301.

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Montgomery Twp. Woman Wanted, Financially Exploited Elderly Resident: Police 

Committee weighs proposed probate rule to allow immediate appeals of some court orders

This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »

The Legislative Committee on Judicial Rules examined a proposed amendment to probate procedures (BRPP54A) that would identify specific probate and guardianship orders that may be appealed immediately rather than waiting until final disposition.

Joanne Ortell, presenting the proposal, said the amendment responds to instances where an interlocutory decision — for example, allowance to sell real estate — could be irreversible and therefore merits an immediate right of appeal. “If someone was upset by decision to sell real estate, they need to have the right to appeal immediately,” Ortell said.

Supporters told the committee the change would clarify when appeals are available; opponents — including two trial court judges who submitted comments — warned the amendment could encourage earlier appeals and thereby delay proceedings. As Ortell summarized, some judges “liked the idea, but they had concerns about whether it was premature to allow people to appeal. It would slow down the proceedings.”

Committee members proposed narrowing appeal windows to limit delay. Representative Allison (first name not specified in transcript) asked whether a “very tight window,” such as 30 days, could be required; Ortell said the normal 30-day appeal period likely applies and that she would “bring that to the committee’s attention for discussion in September.”

The committee did not vote to promulgate the rule at this meeting; Ortell said the Evidence/Rules committee will consider the matter again at its next rules meeting in September and that the Supreme Court has not yet been asked to promulgate BRPP54A.

Members emphasized the balance between clarifying litigants’ rights and avoiding procedural fragmentation. As Ortell put it: “People need to know what their rights are,” but others cautioned that creating appeal triggers could increase appeals and delay estate and guardianship matters.

The committee will revisit the proposed rule at its next rules meeting and may solicit language tightening appeal deadlines before deciding whether to recommend promulgation to the Supreme Court. 

Source:
Committee weighs proposed probate rule to allow immediate appeals of some court orders 

Family members and notary public accused of exploiting elderly couple

Story by Steve Berg

Four people have been arrested by the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, accused of a multitude of crimes against an elderly couple.

The Sheriff’s Office says 36-year-old Wesley Moheng (pictured above), 38-year-old Tasha Tygart, and 18-year-old Corey Carter (pictured below) moved into the elderly family member’s home last year to supposedly take care of them.

Instead, the Sheriff’s Office says Moheng and Tygart got control of the couple’s bank accounts and credit cards.

And they say Moheng - with the help of a notary public, 61-year-old Brenda English (pictured below), who was also arrested - claimed ownership of the couple’s home and vehicles.

The Sheriff’s Office says, around $400,000 dollars in money and property were stolen in total.

They also say Moheng and Carter physically assaulted the male victim.

Moheng is facing charges of Abuse by Caretaker, Abuse/Exploitation/Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult, Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, and Filing a False/Forged Instrument.

Tygart is facing charges of Abuse by Caretaker and Abuse/Exploitation/Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult.

English is facing a charge of Conspiracy to Commit a Felony.

Carter is facing a charge of Domestic Assault and Battery. 

Full Article & Source:
Family members and notary public accused of exploiting elderly couple 

Petitions to review, modify, or terminate a guardianship: New law establishes protective timelines

When a guardianship is no longer needed or circumstances change, families and individuals may face delays while waiting for a court to review their request. A new Pennsylvania law is designed to address that problem.

On October 27, 2025, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Act No. 39 of 2025 (House Bill 18; P.L. 129) into law. The act, introduced by Representative Jeff Olsommer (R-House District 139), further amends Section 5512.2 (a.1) of Title 20 (the Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries Code) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.

It defines the timeframe within which the court must schedule a review hearing upon receipt of a petition to terminate or modify the guardianship of an incapacitated adult person. Specifically, the new law requires the court to schedule the review hearing within 30 days of filing the petition to terminate or modify a guardianship, and the review hearing must take place within 60 days of filing the petition.

Limited extensions

The statutory revisions permit the court to continue the review hearing beyond the 60-day mark if the court makes a written finding that rescheduling the hearing is necessary to:

1. Permit an interested party to participate;
2. Permit counsel for the incapacitated person to participate and to be prepared;
3. Allow for a capacity evaluation or a medical report to be completed or other medical procedure to occur; or
4. Otherwise allow for all interested parties to be prepared for the review hearing.

The use of the word “or” in the statutory language indicates that the court is permitted to extend the review hearing beyond the 60 days should it make a written finding that any of the above circumstances exist.

Restrictions on repetitive filings

Additionally, this act permits the court to decline to schedule a review hearing when that request has been filed by the same interested party and a hearing has been held upon the same request within the past 180 days, unless the new filing raises new issues or facts for the court to consider.

These new requirements will take effect on December 26, 2025.

Context within broader guardianship reform

Act 39 builds on the state’s recent efforts to strengthen oversight and accountability in guardianship cases.

The statutes and the Orphans’ Court Procedural Rules governing guardianships have undergone significant changes in the past two years. This new statutory amendment follows the earlier and much broader modifications implemented by Act 61, which took effect in June 2024.

Act 61 included increased checks in the guardianship review context, among other things. Those included:

• The requirement of an automatic review hearing where evidence presented at the original guardianship hearing indicates that the circumstances of the person’s incapacity may change.
• The requirement of counsel for the incapacitated person during both the initial guardianship and review hearing stages of the proceedings.

 

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Petitions to review, modify, or terminate a guardianship: New law establishes protective timelines

Bond revoked for woman accused of exploiting elderly victim in Birmingham

by Josh LeBerte

Jennifer Aileen White, accused of financially exploiting an elderly woman, had her bond revoked after violating its terms.

White was initially charged in September 2025 for using deception to obtain control over property valued over $2,500 from Sheila Koren Simms.

While on bond, White was arrested on Oct. 19, for criminal trespass after being found asleep inside Simms' home, violating a no-contact order.

The State of Alabama filed a motion to revoke her bond, citing her continued criminal behavior and violation of court orders. A judge granted the motion on Oct. 28.

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Bond revoked for woman accused of exploiting elderly victim in Birmingham 

BBB Warns Consumers About Scam Calls from Fake Banks and Loan Companies

By Source Staff

Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers to be cautious of phishing scams involving fake banks and loan processing companies. These calls often come from individuals posing as representatives from legitimate financial institutions, claiming to need personal information to finalize a loan or verify account details.

In many cases, victims report receiving multiple calls per day from different numbers, with nearly identical voicemail messages. The callers claim they’ve been trying to reach you about your loan application or offer a low-interest loan that needs “final approval.” They often provide a callback number and an application ID to appear more convincing.

The goal? To trick you into sharing sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank account details, or income information, which can then be used for identity theft or fraudulent financial activity.

How the Scam Works

Scammers use spoofed numbers and professional-sounding scripts to appear legitimate. They may mention a “loan application,” “account verification,” or “payment processing” issue that needs immediate attention. While the message sounds urgent, it’s all designed to pressure you into responding quickly without verifying the source.

Once engaged, the scammer may ask for personal or financial information or direct you to a fraudulent website that looks like a real banking portal.

Tips to Avoid Loan and Banking Phishing Scams

• Verify before you respond: If you receive an unexpected call about a loan or banking issue, hang up and contact your financial institution directly using verified contact information from their website or official documents.
• Don’t share personal details: Never provide your Social Security number, bank information, or other sensitive data over the phone unless you initiated the call.
• Be skeptical of urgency: Scammers rely on pressure tactics. Real banks and lenders will not demand immediate action or threaten consequences.
• Avoid calling back unknown numbers: Returning a suspicious call can connect you directly to scammers or result in unexpected fees.
• Check for scam reports: Search for the phone number or company name online before engaging.
• Report it: If you’ve been contacted by a possible scammer, report the incident to BBB.org/ScamTracker to help protect others.

Stay Alert and Informed

“Scammers often use the names of legitimate-sounding institutions to gain your trust,” said Robyn Householder, President & CEO of BBB serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. “Before you share personal information or return a suspicious call, take a moment to verify. It could save you from financial loss or identity theft.”

 

Remember — if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

 

If you believe you’ve been targeted by an emergency scam, report it immediately to local law enforcement, the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and BBB’s Scam Tracker at BBB.org/ScamTracker.

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BBB Warns Consumers About Scam Calls from Fake Banks and Loan Companies 

'All kinds of abuse': New initiative launched as Ohio sees dramatic rise in elder abuse

witnessing a dramatic surge in elder abuse cases, with a 400% increase statewide over the past seven years, according to the Ohio Attorney General's Office. 

One in 10 Ohioans over the age of 60 is reportedly suffering some form of abuse, including financial fraud, physical, or sexual abuse 

Source:
'All kinds of abuse': New initiative launched as Ohio sees dramatic rise in elder abuse 

Massapequa home health aide arrested for stabbing patient, police say

Amanda Fraser was charged with attempted second-degree murder in connection to the Long Island elder abuse case. CBS News New York's Jennifer McLogan reports.  

Source:
Massapequa home health aide arrested for stabbing patient, police say 

Elder Abuse Cases Rising Across Oklahoma

The Oklahoma News Report, hosted by Rich Lenz, is a weekly in-depth exploration of news and issues affecting all Oklahomans, featuring topical information and meaningful stories that provide context and meaning to educate and engage every citizen across the state.

Source:
Elder Abuse Cases Rising Across Oklahoma  

911 Caller Reporting Domestic Abuse Arrested For Attempted Murder

By Tracey Petersen

Sonora, CA – A Sonora Police Department (SPD) investigation of an alleged domestic battery incident ended with the 911 caller being put in handcuffs for attempted murder, and her bail was set at half a million dollars.

Officers responded to the area of Oregon Street off South Washington Street on Wednesday (10/29/2025) around 3:45 a.m., after a woman, 66-year-old Teri A. Blaumer, called police dispatch and then hung up after claiming to be a victim of domestic abuse. Police determined after interviewing Blaumer and a 72-year-old dependent adult in the home that she was the aggressor and had committed battery. The victim also alleged that she threw a pillow over his face, attempting to suffocate him, and made death threats. The victim stated that while attempting to escape from her, she punched him in the face, but he managed to get away and, fortunately, was not seriously injured, according to authorities.

Blaumer was arrested for felony attempted murder, domestic violence, threats, and elder abuse. 

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911 Caller Reporting Domestic Abuse Arrested For Attempted Murder 

St. Lucie County Pair Charged with Elder Abuse and Fraud in Exploitation Investigation

By Carlos Mendez

Two people were arrested in St. Lucie County following an investigation into a case of elder abuse and exploitation. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office reported that Enrique Junior Navedo and Loy Lynn La Pierre were taken into custody after a woman was found living in unsafe and abusive conditions. According to WPBF, the investigation began in July when the Florida Department of Children and Families received a tip about possible mistreatment.

A follow-up report in last month led to further investigation, where detectives discovered that the victim had been denied food, forced to use the bathroom outdoors, and made to shower in a tent without hot water. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office stated on its Facebook page that the victim also had an untreated wound and other medical issues caused by neglect.

Investigators found that Navedo had allegedly transferred the victim’s home into his own name using a Quit Claim Deed that appeared to be backdated. The victim said she was restricted from moving freely and denied basic needs.

Navedo faces charges including Fraud-Swindle-Obtain Property $50,000 or More and Abuse of an Elderly or Disabled Adult Without Great Bodily Harm. La Pierre was charged with Abuse of an Elderly or Disabled Adult Without Great Bodily Harm. Both are being held at the St. Lucie County Jail. Both suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. 

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St. Lucie County Pair Charged with Elder Abuse and Fraud in Exploitation Investigation 

A place of hope, healing and justice: One Safe Place opens doors in National City

By Debbie Sklar 

For too long, victims of abuse in South San Diego County had to travel across the region to piece together the help they needed—visiting different offices for counseling, legal assistance, medical exams, and other critical services. That fragmented system is now changing with the opening of One Safe Place: the South Bay Family Justice Center in National City.

The center, which officially opened its doors on Oct. 20, is the second location in San Diego County under the umbrella of the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, joining the original center in San Marcos. Both are designed as one-stop resource hubs, providing survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse, child abuse, and other crimes with coordinated, no-cost services under one roof.

Claudia Grasso, executive director of One Safe Place, describes the centers as the realization of a long-held vision by San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan.

“Victims have told us repeatedly how exhausting it is to travel all over the county to get help. Our goal is to make the process as simple and supportive as possible so that people can focus on healing,” Grasso said.

At One Safe Place South, visitors can access a wide range of services without appointments, paperwork, or police reports. Victim advocates conduct safety planning and need assessments, and each survivor—referred to as a “member”—is paired with a case manager who guides them through the center’s resources. From therapy and legal aid to emergency housing, food, clothing, job support, and even help care for pets, the center brings dozens of community services into a single, welcoming environment.

“This dream project to regionalize the evidence-based Family Justice Center model to protect crime victims, safeguard children and seniors from harm, prevent homelessness driven by domestic violence and human trafficking, and dismantle generational cycles of trauma that lead to incarceration and victimization has now become a reality for our South County region,” said DA Stephan. “We want the community to know that the doors are now open so they can take advantage of this state-of-the-art center focused on the trifecta of hope, healing, and justice.”

Partnerships are key to making this model work. The South Bay center hosts more than 50 partner organizations, including Rady Children’s and Palomar Hospitals’ nationally accredited child advocacy centers. These partners provide everything from forensic exams and child interviews to volunteer attorney services for restraining orders. “We’re able to offer support that addresses every aspect of a survivor’s experience—safety, emotional care, legal protection, and basic needs—all in one place,” Grasso said.

Accessibility is another priority. Many staff members are bilingual, and the centers aim to serve communities throughout the county, with plans to expand into East County. By co-locating services, the centers reduce the number of times survivors must retell their stories and cut down on travel, making support more immediate and effective.

The impact of this approach is already measurable. Since opening in 2022, One Safe Place North has served more than 9,000 people, provided over 6,000 legal services, conducted nearly 4,000 therapy sessions, and assisted more than 3,000 children affected by violence. “A ‘win’ is every person who walks in and leaves feeling like they have a path forward,” Grasso said.

Community leaders see the new center as a vital lifeline. San Diego County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre said, “For too long, South County residents in crisis had to travel far to access critical services. This center changes that. Survivors here now have access to the care, compassion, and justice they deserve. DA Stephan emphasized that the Family Justice Center model is designed to protect victims, prevent further trauma, and help break cycles of violence in families and communities.

For those who have experienced abuse, the center is more than just a place to get help; it’s a place to regain hope. Domestic violence survivor Brenda M. shared her experience: “I walked in feeling lost but left feeling like I could breathe again. Every time I visit, I feel like I’m moving forward and that I have the chance to start over.”

One Safe Place South is located at 401 Mile of Cars Way in National City and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with one Saturday each month from 8 a.m. to noon. Anyone seeking support can call 888-440-HOPE or email gethope@OSPsandiegocounty.gov, or visit www.OSPSanDiegoCounty.gov

With the South Bay center now open, survivors in South County no longer have to navigate a fragmented system. Instead, they have a single place that combines compassion, resources, and expertise—a place to heal, regain strength, and begin moving forward with their lives.

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A place of hope, healing and justice: One Safe Place opens doors in National City