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 

Couple arrested after elderly woman found bedridden with exposed spinal cord

by Sandy Hodson

An Augusta couple charged with neglect of a disabled adult or elderly person remain in jail without bond since their arrest Oct. 28.

Jacob A. Brigham, 24, and Breann K. Murray, 23, were taking care of Murray's 78-year-old bedridden grandmother in Hephzibah. . According to an incident report, they were living with responsible for the elderly woman's care after Murray's mother died a couple of years ago, according to an incident report. She was discovered with bed sores that exposed her spinal cord.

Murray told deputies sent to the home around 2:40 a.m. Oct. 28 that there had been a nurse who would check on her grandmother, but no nurse had been there since June. Brigham told deputies the victim was bedridden because she was lazy, according to the incident report.

The emergency medical worker who called for the sheriff's office told the deputy he found the victim's backside covered in blood, puss and human waste and that her spinal cord was exposed, according to the incident report.

Brigham and Murray appeared in Richmond County Magistrate Court Oct. 29, but because the charge they face is considered a family violence crime, bond can only be addressed in Superior Court. Neither Brigham nor Murray has any criminal arrests in the Augusta or Columbia County Judicial Circuits, according to court records.

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Couple arrested after elderly woman found bedridden with exposed spinal cord

Vienna couple arrested after alleged exploitation of elderly woman

by Stephanie Southey

VIENNA − A Vienna couple has been arrested and charged following an alleged financial exploitation of an elderly person. 

Gary and Deborah Honse were charged with the felony after allegedly exploiting a 91-year-old Vienna woman out of her generational farm. The woman had exhibited signs of dementia, according to the couple.

The farm is worth nearly $1.5 million, according to Maries County Sheriff Chris Heitman. 

Sheriff Heitman said the couple did not give the woman any of the compensation.

The couple also allegedly deceived the 91-year-old into signing a Quitclaim Deed by saying the paperwork was for something else entirely.

A local title company refused to file the deed and advised the couple to seek legal assistance due to the value and appearance of the transaction. Instead, the couple drew up their own documents for the transaction and used instructions found on internet, according to the sheriff. 

"As a Sheriff it is always so upsetting when someone takes advantage of the elderly. I am utterly disgusted with the actions of these two. After reviewing all of evidence I do not believe it will be a hard case to prove at all and I am certain they will be held accountable for their actions," Sheriff Heitman said in a Facebook post.

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Vienna couple arrested after alleged exploitation of elderly woman