Carson couple arrested in elder abuse investigation; 10 victims rescued

ByTim Caputo and Bianca Buono 

CARSON, Calif. (KABC) -- Several elderly patients have been rescued in Carson, where investigators say a couple was operating multiple unlicensed facilities. That couple has now been arrested on accusations of elder abuse and fraud.

Residents across four neighborhoods in Carson woke up to a law enforcement investigation into elder abuse on Wednesday. The operation was led by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, in partnership with the L.A. County Fire Department, the California Department of Justice and others.

Deputies served warrants at four homes starting around 6 a.m.

Tina De los Reyes lives next door to one of them. She says for years, she's seen several elderly patients living at the home, but no one caring for them. On Wednesday morning, she watched as one patient was rescued by first responders.

"I'm just concerned, because they're old lady like me. And then one time, me and my sister saw a guy fell down there," De los Reyes said.

On Enslow Drive, another home was marked with a notice barring occupancy. Neighbors there said they were relieved to see the police activity.

Investigators say they've been looking into the homes since Feb. 24, when they responded to a call for service at one of them. They found and rescued seven elderly patients that day, who they say were malnourished and neglected.

On Wednesday, they rescued three more.

Eyewitness News was there when deputies showed up at a home on W. 234th Place shortly before 7 a.m. An elderly man was sitting by himself outside on the lawn.

"We are definitely continuing the investigation to see if we can rescue more," said Lt. Quiana Penn from the LASD Carson Station.

Investigators arrested 80-year-old Gary Hogg and 72-year-old Alicia Hogg, accusing them of elder abuse and fraud.

Business records indicate Alicia's company is called Abundant Care Home Inc. Additional state records show both Alicia and Gary operate a nonprofit called Global Covenant Christian Churches.

"The care was not happening from what we could see, and they were also unlicensed. So they were not abiding by any California laws or county statutes," Penn said.

The victims who were rescued were treated and taken to more appropriate facilities to get the care and attention they need. Investigators believe there could be more victims out there, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the LASD Carson Station.

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Carson couple arrested in elder abuse investigation; 10 victims rescued