From complaints about being forced to lay in their own feces to serious medical mistakes, our I-Team investigation finds concerning conditions at Safire Care Rehabilitation Center in South Buffalo
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Judge denies diversion request in Bakersfield elder abuse case
More than a year after the case went viral on TikTok, a judge denied a
request for mental health diversion, keeping the criminal case against
caregiver Julie Rothgeb on track through the court system.
By: Madi Vollmer
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.
(KERO) — A high-profile Bakersfield elder abuse case that drew national
attention is moving one step closer to trial after a judge denied a
request for Mental Health Diversion.
The case involving caregiver Julie Rothgeb gained widespread attention after videos at the center of the investigation generated more than 43 million views on TikTok.
Rothgeb is charged with assault and battery involving an elderly person. Investigators allege she repeatedly yelled at the victim and used weights on the victim's wrists and ankles, forcing her to exercise for hours at a time.
During a June 10 hearing, Rothgeb's defense attorney requested Mental Health Diversion, a program that allows eligible defendants to receive treatment instead of proceeding through the traditional criminal court process. The Kern County District Attorney's Office opposed the request, and the judge ultimately denied it.
For Windy Duenas, the victim's daughter, the ruling marks a long-awaited step toward accountability after more than a year of legal developments surrounding the case. "It's frustrating, and every time there was a court date it was continued, and we just feel like there's no rights for the victim and that everything about this case has been minimized down to nothing, and I have just lost faith in the justice system," Duenas said.
Still, Duenas says she remains frustrated that elder abuse cases are not treated more seriously and believes crimes involving vulnerable older adults should carry stronger consequences. "I am upset that we're here. I am upset that these are the possibilities that are on the table for something so serious and with so much evidence," she said.
As the case moves forward, officials say elder abuse remains a significant issue throughout Kern County.
Jeremy Oliver with Kern County Adult and Aging Services says the department investigated roughly 7,000 reports last year alone. He added that for every reported case, many more likely go unreported. "With Kern County, we receive about 7,000 reports per year that we've investigated just from last year, and we know for every instance that's actually reported, there's about 24 instances that go unreported," Oliver said.
Duenas says that fear and a lack of confidence in the system can discourage victims and families from speaking up. "There are so many elderly people out there getting mistreated on a daily basis and nothing is being done. They're already scared to come forward and say anything, and then when they do, there's no protection set for them," she said.
I also reached out to the Public Defender's Office, which said the case has been reassigned to a new attorney. The office says the case remains scheduled for a jury trial on June 29, 2026, though that date could be continued to allow additional preparation and investigation, pending the court's approval.
Full Article & Source:
Judge denies diversion request in Bakersfield elder abuse case
Saturday, June 20, 2026
North Charleston woman jailed after reportedly exploiting elderly neighbor
by Abigail Quinn
A North Charleston Police Department uniform patch. FILE (Brian Heins/WCIV)
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — A
woman has been arrested after she reportedly exploited her elderly
neighbor and fraudulently accessed their finances, according to the
North Charleston Police Department.
Kimberly Spear Lawrence, a 58-year-old from North Charleston was arrested and charged with fraud and exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
The report on the incident states that investigators with the North Charleston Police Department Special Victims Unit received a report on March 19 from he South Carolina Department of Social Services and Adult Protective Services regarding the alleged exploitation of a 79-year-old woman.
The victim reportedly suffers from cognitive impairment, and through investigation it was revealed that multiple checks belonging to the victim were allegedly cashed or deposited and cashed for a loss of more than $3,000 by Lawrence.
On Wednesday officers located and arrested Lawrence at a hotel on Dorchester Road and she was transported to the Al Cannon Detention Center.
Full Article & Source:
North Charleston woman jailed after reportedly exploiting elderly neighbor
Woman charged with stealing from wounded veterans charity, exploiting an elderly victim
A Georgia grand jury indicted Kristen
Corbett on forgery, identity theft and elder exploitation charges over
$2,000 in allegedly forged checks.
MACON, Ga. — A Macon woman has been charged by a grand jury for stealing thousands of dollars from a charity for wounded veterans, according to a Bibb County incident report and court records.
According to the sheriff's Office, a woman came to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center to report that someone was written unauthorized checks, pulling money out from the Disabled American Veterans branch on Houston Avenue.
The sheriff's office says that the investigation determined that five checks had been written by a woman named Kristen Corbett, taking $2,000 from the non-profit's bank account.
The report says that the assistant admin had noticed that some checks were out of sequence, which prompted the concern.
According to the indictment, Corbett is accused of writing Truist Bank checks that appeared to be written by the woman who reported the fraud, even though she never gave authorization for the checks.
The indictment says that the checks were for the following amounts:
- $410
- $398.90
- $402.76
- $408.20
- $392.99
The indictment says that they all were deposited on Jan. 10, 2025. The report says that the report was made to law enforcement just 19 days later on Jan. 29, 2025.
The woman who reported the withdrawals says that they also reported the checks to the Truist Bank where the account was located, who instructed them to reach out to the sheriff's office and make a report.
An indictment is the first official step in the legal system, where a grand jury decides that there is enough evidence to move ahead on a case.
There is no attorney listed for Corbett in the court records yet.
She's been charged with five counts of forgery in the fourth degree, five counts of identity theft fraud, one count of theft by taking and exploitation of an elderly person, according to the indictment.
Full Article & Source:
Woman charged with stealing from wounded veterans charity, exploiting an elderly victim
Friday, June 19, 2026
Illinois establishes Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship
by: Brian Weckerly
Gov. JB Pritzker signed House Bill 862 into law June 17, creating the Illinois Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship (IDAG).
According to a release:
Through its three primary divisions, the department will continue to provide critical support to thousands of individuals with disabilities across Illinois. The Division of State Guardian will serve as guardian of last resort for nearly 5,000 adults with disabilities.
The Division of Legal Advocacy will continue to provide legal counsel to thousands of Illinoisians each year in cases of involuntary treatment and related court proceedings, and the Division of Disability Rights and Protections will continue to investigate disability rights violations impacting thousands of Illinois Citizens with Disabilities. A newly-established Advisory Council consisting of leaders from across Illinois will provide valuable ongoing input into the department’s work.
“By establishing the Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship, we are making it crystal clear that disability rights are a priority in Illinois,” Pritzker said. “I am proud to establish this agency, and I will continue to fight hard to empower people with disabilities and their families all across our state.”
The new department will begin operations on July 1, 2027.
Full Article & Source:
Illinois establishes Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship
New Mexico reports 18K allegations of elder abuse this year
by: Dave Burge
This comes as the state marks Elder Abuse Awareness Month and state officials are pushing to help New Mexicans recognize the warning signs and to report suspected abuse.
Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical and emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation and scams, according to the New Mexico Aging Department.
This includes scams that often target older adults, including fraudulent phone calls, impersonation schemes, and romance scams, New Mexico state officials said.
These situations are often underreported, leaving many older adults isolated or without the support they need.
“As New Mexico’s older population continues to grow, it is more important than ever that we look out for one another and recognize when someone may need help,” said Emily Kaltenbach, Aging Department secretary. “By learning the signs and speaking up when something feels wrong, we can help protect those who may be vulnerable.”
According to the National Council on Aging, approximately one in 10 Americans age 60 and older may have experienced some form of elder abuse. Social isolation, cognitive decline, physical disabilities, and limited access to services can all make someone more susceptible to experiencing abuse.
Warning signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation may include:
- Unexplained injuries, such as cuts, scratches, bruises, broken bones or bedsores
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Withdrawal from social activities or communication
- Poor hygiene, malnutrition, or unsafe living conditions
- Sudden financial changes or unusual banking activity
- Fearfulness around caregivers or family members
- Lack of access to medication, medical care or basic needs
“Preventing elder abuse starts with awareness and connection,” said Corey Roybal, Adult Protective Services director. “Checking on a neighbor, noticing unusual behavior, or asking questions when something doesn’t seem right can make a meaningful difference in someone’s well-being.”
New Mexicans who suspect abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult are encouraged to report concerns to Adult Protective Services. Reports can be made 24 hours a day through the statewide intake line at (866) 654-3219.
To learn more about elder abuse prevention and available resources, visit the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department website at aging.nm.gov.
Full Article & Source:
New Mexico reports 18K allegations of elder abuse this year
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Guardianship Reform Bill, Karilyn’s Law, Clears Both Chambers of the State Legislature, Awaiting Action by Hochul
by Michelle Trauring
Earlier this month, Karilyn’s Law — a bill that would reform the guardianship system — unanimously passed both chambers of the New York State Legislature and now awaits action by Governor Kathy Hochul.
When longtime guardianship advocate Christine Montanti, who is a frequent visitor to the East End, called her mother to tell her the good news, the elder had one question.
“Does that mean I’m free?” she asked her daughter.
“It was so heartbreaking. I don’t want to cry myself,” Montanti recalled, her voice breaking. “I'm still fighting.”
Montanti’s 82-year-old mother, Karilyn, is the name and story behind the bill. It begins in 2018, Montanti said, when her mother — who resides in an assisted living facility in Florida, where the bill is also attempting to be passed — began complaining about excessive control.
When Montanti tried to intervene, she was blocked by the power of attorney, which is held by a family member, she said. As the isolation has progressed, Karilyn Montanti was denied use of her phone and computer, visitation with her family members, and even access to medical care, her daughter said.
Family photographs were removed from her room, Montanti said. She wasn’t allowed to receive letters or packages, she said, and she was all alone.
“It’s been over eight years of litigating,” she said. “I can’t even tell you, the legal bills are outrageous. Many people go broke trying to litigate for their loved one, and they end up having to give up because they can’t hang in there.”
Karilyn’s Law is the first guardianship reform measure of its kind to be passed by a state legislature in the United States. Montanti said she hopes that this landmark legislation will inspire sweeping reforms nationwide aimed at protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals and their families — and stop the isolation of vulnerable individuals.
“It’s a cruel and unusual punishment without presenting clear and convincing evidence of wrongdoing,” she said, “and you just feel like you're suffocating, like you cannot believe this is even happening.”
As she has advocated for her mother, Montanti learned that guardianship abuse is a national epidemic that ransacks the wealth and autonomy of vulnerable senior citizens.
The Elder Justice Roadmap, a research initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, reported that 10 percent of adults over age 60 experience some form of abuse each year. Studies have also shown that about two-thirds of elder abuse victims are women.
But the extent of guardianship abuse is unknown, due to a lack of data.
“Hopefully, this bill and my mother’s story will stop that exploitation and neglect and abuse, because you have to watch your loved one going through all this and they’re pleading for help,” Montanti said. “To date, my mother is still suffering, so while I’m so grateful that this happened, it’s still not over in my mother’s case.”
Under the legislation — which was authored by State Senator Anthony Palumbo and co-sponsored by State Senator Cordell Cleare and State Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni — a guardian, care manager or power of attorney is prohibited from arbitrarily terminating visitation rights and isolating vulnerable individuals who are being held in involuntary guardianship.
The bill provides for family members to make an application for visitation and have an evidentiary hearing within 10 days.
“Karilyn’s Law makes a simple but important change to the state’s guardianship laws to provide family members and friends with an opportunity to visit loved ones who are under guardianship,” Palumbo said. “The legislation will close a loophole that has allowed guardians with extreme power to arbitrarily deny individuals access to their loved ones over personal differences and family disputes.”
For now, it’s a waiting game as Hochul considers the bill, Montani said, which could change the guardianship system forever.
“It’s a huge, huge win,” she said. “Hopefully, it’s going to restore access to all these New York State residents who have been arbitrarily blocked without any evidence of wrongdoing whatsoever and get them access — and get those vulnerable individuals out of this isolation that they’re in. So this is a huge win.”
Full Article & Source:
Guardianship Reform Bill, Karilyn’s Law, Clears Both Chambers of the State Legislature, Awaiting Action by Hochul
Suspended Alabama probate judge denies all accusations of bullying and other misconduct
by Joseph D. Bryant
Suspended Jefferson County Probate Judge Yashiba Blanchard denies all allegations in a 120-page complaint against her that was sent to a state judicial disciplinary court.
Lawyers for Blanchard, who was suspended May 21 after a complaint was forwarded to the Alabama Court of the Judiciary by Alabama's Judicial Inquiry Commission, submitted a general denial regarding the seven charges against her.
"Judge Blanchard asserts all legal and equitable defenses as to the allegations in these charges," lawyers wrote in the June 13 filing.
The filing is the judge's first public declaration since her suspension. Blanchard is represented by lawyers Emory Anthony Jr., Luckie Milad and Moses Stone.
Under the Alabama law, a judge is automatically suspended when the Judicial Inquiry Commission brings a case to the Court of the Judiciary. The Court of the Judiciary has authority to clear judges of wrongdoing, suspend without pay, censure them or remove them from office.
Among the allegations, the complaint claims that Blanchard's erratic schedule caused unnecessary delays in multiple legal proceedings, including hearings for probate cases and involuntary commitments.
According to the complaint, Blanchard was responsible for some mental health patients having unnecessary extended hospital stays or being denied needed care.
The probate court is also responsible for millions of dollars from estates that are managed by lawyers appointed by the judge. The complaint alleges that Blanchard improperly removed conservator cases from one firm and gave them to another.
The Judicial Inquiry Commission's complaint accuses Blanchard of acting in bad faith by removing attorneys from the law firm of Hand Arendall serving as conservators in probate cases without following procedures or providing legal justification.
She is also accused of using her authority to settle personal disagreements rather than taking reasonable judicial action.
The detailed report, which includes input from multiple participants, alleges "a pattern and practice of bullying and retaliation against probate court staff" that they say began on Blanchard's first day.
In one alleged incident, Blanchard is accused of holding a meeting with employees on Jan. 5, 2026, where she threatened them with suspension or firing if they complained against her.
"Judge Blanchard told employees that if anyone tried to report her to HR, they had first better make sure that they themselves are 'clean,'" according to the complaint. "At that meeting, Judge Blanchard declared that she was the 'ultimate authority,' and that she had no boss. She told the staff that whatever she says goes."
While Blanchard and her lawyers have declined to comment, the judge's supporters on social media and on talk radio have dismissed allegations against her as retaliation because Blanchard changed the traditional operations of her court by using different lawyers.
A pretrial hearing is scheduled July 9 in Montgomery.
Full Article & Source:
Suspended Alabama probate judge denies all accusations of bullying and other misconduct
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Strategies in Preparing for a Guardianship Hearing
By Jennifer Andrus
The steps and strategy needed in preparing for a guardianship hearing were the focus of a recent New York State Bar Association continuing legal education course sponsored by its Elder Law and Special Needs section.
“Preparing for a Guardianship Hearing” is the third in a four-part series detailing key steps involved in preparing for a bench trial for the appointment of a guardian under Article 81. During the hour-long seminar, long time elder law and guardianship attorney Emily Ann Klotz provided tips on handling discovery, outlined steps in preparing a notice to admit and detailed common motions used in guardianship cases.
While it may seem obvious, Klotz says careful preparation of witnesses and the potential guardian is essential. Gather witnesses who will either support or contest the substance of the guardianship petition including friends, family, social workers, geriatricians and medical professionals. Investigate witnesses for any conflicts of interest and be aware of the relationship between the witness and the adult who is incapacitated.
Klotz encourages attorneys to conduct a background investigation into the proposed guardian to make sure they meet the qualifications. Does the guardian have the financial means and education needed to care for this person? Klotz related a story of a case in which the potential guardian was found to be a felon and could not be bonded.
“No one ever asked her if she was a felon. It was a mess. Check with your bonding company, check credit ratings, bankruptcies and make sure the guardian candidate understands the role and responsibilities of the job,” she warned.
Alert the court to any accommodation needed by a witness such as an interpreter, a hearing device or a video text display. Klotz reminds attorneys that it may take time for the court to secure the needed resources. She also advises attorneys to ask the court to keep witnesses out of the courtroom.
“If it’s an in-person trial, you have to remember to have the court exclude the witnesses from the courtroom before they testify because you don’t want one witness influencing the other witnesses,” Klotz said.
During the Hearing: Standards, Evidence and Experts
The standard of proof in guardianship hearings is “clear and convincing evidence,” which Klotz admits is a high standard. Attorneys must present evidence that supports the allegation that an incapacitated person cannot manage daily tasks, which include bathing, shopping and making their own medical decision. One must prove that the person will suffer harm without a guardian’s assistance in maintaining a home. Finally, one must prove that the person cannot understand their limitations.
“Lack of understanding here is key, the court requires proof that no less restrictive form of assistance is available,” explains Klotz. “If you want full guardianship, you have to show why this is needed and have those arguments ready before you go to trial.”
If an expert witness is being presented, Klotz says they will need extra preparation because they will be examined by attorneys from the other side. Outline the witnesses’ qualifications, including education, research and their connection to the case. They should be prepared to answer how they become involved with the case and be able to detail interactions with the incapacitated person.
“The other side is entitled to question the expert witness and once the expert survives the voir dire, you can state the witness opinions on the matter,” Klotz said.
The Elder Law and Special Needs Section will hold the fourth and final part of the series on guardianship on July 15.
Full Article & Source:
Strategies in Preparing for a Guardianship Hearing
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