Two former nursing home employees sentenced in elder abuse case

Two former employees of a nursing home in Guthrie have now been sentenced after pleading guilty in a case involving the abuse and exploitation of elderly residents in their care.

On Tuesday, Logan County District Judge Jason Reese sentenced 23-year-old Aubrey Granata and 22-year-old McKenzie Bolfa after both entered guilty pleas to conspiracy and elder abuse charges.

The sentences mirror one handed down to former employee Jade Williams, who was also convicted in the same investigation.

According to court records, Granata and Bolfa each received a 10-year sentence with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections on the conspiracy conviction. As a special condition, both were ordered to complete the Drug Offender Work Camp, or an equivalent program, and may request a one-year review of their sentence.

On the elder abuse conviction, each received an additional 10-year suspended sentence, contingent upon good behavior. Conditions of the suspended sentence include completing drug and alcohol and mental health evaluations with any recommended treatment, submitting to random drug testing, maintaining full-time employment or providing proof of an exemption, completing 300 hours of community service, paying court costs and fees, and serving two years under Department of Corrections supervision. The sentences are to run consecutively, with credit given for time already served.

The investigation began after a former Golden Age Nursing Home employee reported disturbing misconduct to the Guthrie Police Department.

Investigators alleged that Granata, Bolfa and Williams exchanged Snapchat videos and photographs showing elderly residents in degrading and inhumane conditions. Court documents stated one video showed an elderly resident lying in a bed wearing only a shirt and diaper while surrounded by fecal matter. Another showed a male resident nude from the waist down, while additional images allegedly depicted deceased residents being mocked.

At the time of the investigation, Guthrie Police Chief Don Sweger called the case “one of the saddest things” his department had investigated, noting the importance of protecting vulnerable residents who cannot always speak for themselves.

Following the arrests, Golden Age Nursing Home stated the employees had passed background checks, received training on resident rights and safety, and were immediately terminated after the allegations surfaced. The facility said it fully cooperated with law enforcement throughout the investigation.

With Tuesday’s sentencings, all three former employees charged in the case have now pleaded guilty and been sentenced.

The accused, 21-year-old Aubrey Granata, 21-year-old Jade Williams, and 20-year-old McKenzie Bolfa, are now facing serious charges of elderly abuse.

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Two former nursing home employees sentenced in elder abuse case

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.

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Judge denies diversion request in Bakersfield elder abuse case 

Toronto woman found guilty of manslaughter of elderly mother in elder abuse case

A Toronto woman has been found guilty of failing to provide the necessaries of life, criminal negligence for days on end, causing death and manslaughter in relation to the death of Vasiliki Atanasovski – her elderly mother. 

It's a disturbing case of elder abuse that Eva Samonas still denies. 

Global News crime specialist Catherine McDonald reports. 

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Toronto woman found guilty of manslaughter of elderly mother in elder abuse case 

Woman guilty of elder abuse at J & M Happy Guest Home gets home detention, probation

By Dana Williams

Maria Delgado appears in court for the first time since felony elder abuse charges were announced. Sep. 17, 2025.

The former owner of a San Diego residential care facility who pleaded guilty to elder abuse charges related to neglect of the business's residents was sentenced Tuesday to one year of home detention and two years of probation.

Maria Erolina Delgado, 62, was charged last year by the California Attorney General's Office for leaving the facility, J & M Happy Guest Home, "severely understaffed," prosecutors said, resulting in multiple residents suffering from bed sores, dehydration and malnourishment.

Residential-care facility owner pleads not guilty in felony elder abuse case

The AG's Office also alleged some residents were left in soiled diapers for days at a time.

Delgado pleaded guilty earlier this year to two felony elder abuse counts.

The criminal complaint, which was filed last year, charges Delgado with two felony and two misdemeanor counts of elder abuse involving four different residents, including Marcia Braun. 

The criminal complaint, filed earlier this month, charges her with two felony and two misdemeanor counts of elder abuse involving four different residents, including Marcia Braun. 

A photo of Marcia Braun, one of the victims named in the criminal complaint. The photo was shared by her son, Andrew Braun.

NBC 7 spoke with Braun’s son, Andrew Braun, in September 2025. He said his mother began staying in the home in 2020 after being diagnosed with dementia. He had been her caretaker for some time, but when it grew too difficult, he found J & M. 

“The care seemed to be good," Andrew said. "She seemed to be all right, you know? There was one incident —she got a black eye. I think they told me she was getting up, wandering and slipped on the tile floor.” 

“They have everybody set up in a room," Andrew said. "It’s usually one person per room — might have been two, depending on what they were doing. They fed them, they cleaned them, they were pretty much bedridden though, you know?"

Andrew was unaware of the charges at the time but said he was “not surprised,” in general, and that you have to “believe everybody” is doing the right thing. Marcia was eventually moved to a facility in Vista, her son said. 

All the conduct at J & M Happy Guest Home allegedly occurred in 2020, according to the complaint. Delgado could have been sentenced to four years in prison on the felonies and another year for the misdemeanors

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Woman guilty of elder abuse at J & M Happy Guest Home gets home detention, probation

Elder abuse sentencing

A Mira Mesa woman was sentenced after pleading guilty in an elder abuse case involving a residential care facility.

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Elder abuse sentencing 

CBS12 viewer helping veteran who put 'Call the Police' note on mailbox in elder abuse case

by Al Pefley 

LANTANA, Fla. (CBS12) — An elderly Lantana man is getting some much-needed help.

As we reported a few days ago, the 81 year old man, who asked not to be identified, was allegedly attacked by his live-in caregiver, Denise Williams, 61, when police say she tried to strangle him on December 28.

Lantana Police say Williams then took his cellphone and two landline phones and his credit card and checkbook and she left, leaving him with no way to call for help. The man is a Navy veteran, a widower and retired security guard who has limited ability to walk.

Police say the victim put a note on his mailbox saying "Call the Police." The next day, December 29, a letter carrier found the note and he spoke with his supervisor at the post office and she called Lantana Police and Williams was later arrested.

A nurse who says she saw our story on CBS12 News and she was so saddened by what happened, that she reached out to help him. She is with a firm that places home health aides in homes of elderly people in south Florida.

"It bothered me that he's a veteran, and that what happened to him, that he was assaulted, and that nobody's looking after him, and that he had to put a note on the mailbox. I was horrified by that," said Michele Farkas, Nursing Administrator, Home with Help of Florida, Inc.

"So why did you want to help him? Because it's the right thing to do. We were raised that way. I'm Jewish. We were raised to do good in the world. My family, my father was a veteran," Farkas said.

She says she put him in touch with the VA and they will hopefully provide a home health aide to come to his house 12 hours a week to help him shower, perhaps do laundry and clean up his home and look after him. He will also get an emergency call button that he can wear so he can summon help if necessary in a medical emergency.

Williams is charged with robbery by sudden snatching, battery on the elderly and elderly exploitation.

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CBS12 viewer helping veteran who put 'Call the Police' note on mailbox in elder abuse case 

 

Lawyer involved in 2023 elder-abuse case sues county, chief of police

by Clark Kauffman Iowa Capital Dispatch

An Iowa lawyer accused of elder abuse is now suing the Henry County District Court, the county attorney and the Mt. Pleasant chief of police over a search warrant related to his financial records.

Attorney Beau Bergmann and the Bergmann Law Firm are suing Henry County, Henry County District Court, Henry County Attorney Darin Stater, and Mt. Pleasant Chief of Police Lyle Murray in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa.

The lawsuit claims Bergmann and his law firm maintained a lawyer trust account for depositing client funds at Wayland State Bank in Mt. Pleasant. According to the lawsuit, in August 2023, Murray and Stater initiated a search warrant application for account information at Wayland State Bank. The warrant application allegedly sought access to financial statements for accounts controlled by Bergmann or the law firm.

As part of the warrant application, Murray allegedly provided the court with an affidavit stating that Bergmann had illegally taken $20,000 from a mentally incapacitated person and would not return the money. Additional references were made to $9,500 paid to Bergmann by a different client.

Murray’s affidavit, according to the lawsuit, alleged that “Bergmann either stole or fraudulently obtained money from the two victims.” The affidavit allegedly cites “two suspicious checking accounts,” without offering any explanation as to why the accounts were deemed suspicious.

Despite the fact that funds held in such accounts are not the property of the attorney who maintains the account, but are instead the property of the clients, Stater and Murray sought access to financial statements pertaining to the account, according to the lawsuit.

Based upon Murray’s affidavit, District Associate Judge Jonathan Stensvaag then approved the warrant application and signed a search warrant in the case, the lawsuit alleges.

Bergmann now claims the court was aware, or should have been aware, there was probable cause that a criminal offense had been committed.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for alleged civil rights violations related to the improper issuance of search warrants and invasion of privacy.

The defendants in the case have yet to file a response to the lawsuit.

Lawsuit follows case alleging elder abuse

Civil court records indicate the search warrant pertaining to the mentally incapacitated individual are tied to a dispute that arose in May 2023, when attorney Steven E. Ort filed a court petition against Bergmann seeking relief from elder abuse.

In that case, Ort, who was representing the incapacitated individual’s conservator and guardian, alleged Bergmann had accepted $20,000 from the individual after that person’s financial matters were placed in the hands of the conservator, and that Bergmann then refused to return the money to the conservator. 

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Lawyer involved in 2023 elder-abuse case sues county, chief of police 

Residential-care facility owner pleads not guilty in felony elder abuse case

Maria Erolina Delgado, 62, who owns J & M Happy Guest Home, is accused of leaving the facility "severely understaffed," with some residents left in soiled diapers for days at a time, according to prosecutors. 

By Dana Williams

The owner of a San Diego residential care facility who is facing elder abuse charges for the alleged neglect of senior citizens staying at her facility was in court on Wednesday.

Maria Erolina Delgado, 62, who owns J & M Happy Guest Home, is accused of leaving the facility "severely understaffed," resulting in multiple residents suffering from bedsores, dehydration and malnourishment. The California Attorney General's Office also alleged some residents were left in soiled diapers for days at a time.

Delgado, who is out of jail on a $100,000 bail, appeared in court for her arraignment on Wednesday. She pleaded not guilty to all charges and was told that a condition of her bail is that she is unable to care for any elderly or dependent adults she is not related to at her home or at any long-term nursing facility. 

The criminal complaint, filed earlier this month, charges her with two felony and two misdemeanor counts of elder abuse involving four different residents, including Marcia Braun. 

NBC 7 spoke with Braun’s son, Andrew Braun. He explained that his mother went to stay in the home in 2020 after being diagnosed with dementia. He had been her caretaker for some time, but when it grew too difficult, he found J & M. 

“The care seemed to be good," Andrew said. "She seemed to be all right, you know? There was one incident she got a black eye. I think they told me she was getting up, wandering and slipped on the tile floor.” 

Andrew told NBC 7 he had visited the home while his mom was there 

“They have everybody set up in a room," Andrew said. "It’s usually one person per room — might have been two depending on what they were doing. They fed them, they cleaned them, they were pretty much bedridden though, you know?"

Andrew was unaware of the charges but said he was “not surprised,” in general, and that you have to “believe everybody” is doing the right thing. Marcia has since moved out and is now being cared for at a facility in Vista, her son said. 

"Our elders deserve care that is safe, dignified and consistently held to the highest standards," state Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement. "When those entrusted with the care of elderly residents fail to live up to these standards and put Californians in harm's way, we take action."

All the conduct at J & M Happy Guest Home allegedly occurred in 2020, according to the complaint. Delgado faces two felony charges; both carry maximum sentences of four years in prison; and two misdemeanor charges, with a maximum of six months each.

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Residential-care facility owner pleads not guilty in felony elder abuse case 

'Justice Has Been Served': Jury Convicts Man In Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse Case

San Francisco prosecutors praised the victim for speaking out against her abuser during the trial.

by Fernando Haro 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A Bay Area jury has convicted a man who authorities say beat and abused an elderly woman over the course of two years.

Henry Luong, 73, was found guilty of two counts of domestic violence, one count each of elder abuse, domestic battery and assault, along with six counts of violating a restraining order, San Francisco prosecutors announced Monday.

“I am grateful that justice has been served in this case,” San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said in a press release Monday. “This guilty verdict will ensure that Mr. Luong will not be able to continue harming the victim.

The woman was returning home from seeing her grandchildren on May 1, 2022, when Luong started hitting her with a metal spaghetti strainer and broomstick, according to prosecutors.

The attack left her arms and hands bloodied as she tried to shield herself from the blows, authorities said.

During another occasion, almost two years later, Luong threw the woman against a wall, where the impact knocked her onto the ground and left her unable to get up, according to prosecutors.

Police were called to the scene and the woman was taken to a local hospital for treatment, authorities said.

Luong was ordered by the authorities to stay at least 150 yards away from the woman, but instead, continued harassing her, prosecutors said. Following an investigation by the San Francisco Police Department's Special Victims Unit, Luong was prosecuted, authorities said.

"We take these cases very seriously and work with victims to fight for justice," Jenkins said. "We know how quickly these types of incidents can escalate into greater violence or tragedy and are committed to doing everything we can to prevent tragedy and keep residents safe in their own homes and everywhere in our city.”

Assistant District Attorney Max Draskovich praised the woman for coming forward against Luong, saying that her voice was "essential in this trial."

"Both victims of domestic violence and seniors are among our community’s most vulnerable people," Draskovich said. "It is important that we all do our best to uplift and protect them. I want to thank this jury for holding Mr. Luong accountable.”

Prosecutors did not say whether Luong and the woman knew each other or if these were random attacks. Luong is due back in court for sentencing on Oct. 2. It's unclear how much prison time he is facing. 

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'Justice Has Been Served': Jury Convicts Man In Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse Case

District Attorney reconsiders elder abuse case

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District Attorney reconsiders elder abuse case 

Elder Abuse Case Cracked: Marriage Annulled, Daughter Regains Guardianship

by John O'Rourke

Elder Abuse Investigation Leads to Annulled Marriage and Restored Guardianship

A comprehensive investigation uncovered a disturbing case of elder abuse and financial exploitation involving an elderly New Jersey man with significant cognitive decline. A woman had manipulated him into marriage, isolated him from his family, and persuaded him to rewrite his will, leaving his entire estate equating over $3,000,000 to her. Despite posing as a caregiver, she routinely left him unattended and neglected his basic needs.

“witness interviews painted a clear picture of control and isolation.”

The investigation was complex and extended across multiple jurisdictions throughout New Jersey. Our private investigators coordinated efforts and followed a trail of evidence that revealed a calculated scheme of manipulation and neglect. Surveillance operations documented the woman’s behavior, while witness interviews painted a clear picture of control and isolation. Audio recordings were analyzed and transcribed, uncovering critical conversations that supported allegations of coercion.

Medical records were reviewed by experts to confirm the man's cognitive impairment, and detailed investigative reports were prepared for court proceedings. The multidisciplinary effort included legal coordination, forensic audio work, and deep research into elder care laws and medical standards.

Working closely with the man's daughter, investigators developed a compelling case that demonstrated the woman’s exploitative intentions and her failure to provide even the most basic care. The court ultimately annulled the marriage and restored the daughter’s guardianship rights.

This case highlights the vital importance of thorough, collaborative investigative work in protecting vulnerable individuals and holding exploiters accountable—especially when abuse crosses jurisdictional lines and requires a unified, strategic response.

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Elder Abuse Case Cracked: Marriage Annulled, Daughter Regains Guardianship 

Woman calling for veterans to stand together after elder abuse case

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Woman calling for veterans to stand together after elder abuse case

Man pleads not guilty in elder abuse case

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Man pleads not guilty in elder abuse case

Oklahoma caregivers rally for justice in elder abuse case

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Oklahoma caregivers rally for justice in elder abuse case

Klamath Falls nurse strikes plea deal in elder abuse case

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Klamath Falls nurse strikes plea deal in elder abuse case

Couple awaiting sentencing in elder abuse case, drawing exposure to growing issue

"We will continue to do our case work and show that justice can prevail," US Attorney Josh Hurwit said.

Author: Abby Wilt 

BOISE, Idaho — Elder abuse happens to one in ten adults above the age of 65, according to research by the Senior Justice Law firm. In Idaho, elder abuse is a growing issue as well.

“There’s so many different types of elder abuse, financial, health and neglect,” said US Attorney Josh Hurwit.

Research also shows that elder abuse is four times more prevalent than child abuse in the US.

“Just like children, our elderly population can be vulnerable, especially if they know the person,” Hurwit said.

Currently, in Idaho, a couple is awaiting sentencing after being charged with elder abuse, specifically in the form of obstruction of justice.

In 2015, James and Jessica Dougherty rented a room from a retired schoolteacher in Boise at a ranch past Hidden Springs. When the schoolteacher started losing memory, James and Jessica started using her money and eventually bought the ranch from her without her knowing.

From Ada County Jail, Jessica called someone to get a laptop wiped at the victim’s ranch, and later plead guilty for destroying records with the intent of obstructing the investigation into financial fraud.

The couple has been in jail and is scheduled to be sentenced in August.

Hurwit said if you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, you can report it at Adult Protective Services or call 911 if there is immediate danger.

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Couple awaiting sentencing in elder abuse case, drawing exposure to growing issue

Some charges dropped in Candler County elder abuse case

Ralph Cowart and Meghan McCullough(Candler County Sheriff's Office)

By WTOC Staff

CANDLER COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Some charges in a case of elder neglect in Candler County have been dismissed.

The co-owner and executive director of Southern Manor were arrested last August.

The Candler County Clerk of Court confirming to WTOC today two charges have been dropped against Ralph Cowart and Meghan McCullough.

They are still charged with exploitation and intimidation of disabled adults, elder person and residents, along with failure to report a case of abuse of disabled adult.

They were originally also facing neglect and reckless conduct charges, but again, those have been dropped.

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Some charges dropped in Candler County elder abuse case

Plattekill woman sentenced for grand larceny

A former home health aide has been sentenced in an elder abuse case, according to the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office.

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Plattekill woman sentenced for grand larceny

Griffin announces conviction in elder abuse case

By LOG CABIN DEMOCRAT

Following a guilty plea entered by Celia Fuller, 53, of Mayflower in Pulaski County Circuit Court on Oct. 23, Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement:

“Earlier this week the prosecution of Celia Fuller for exploitation of an impaired person, a class B felony, was finalized. I take the protection of Arkansas seniors seriously and will use all the resources of my office to prosecute those who would exploit our vulnerable elders.

“I am proud of the work done by my office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in this case, particularly investigator Dane Pederson and Assistant Attorney General Gabby Davis-Jones.”

Fuller pleaded guilty to this charge on Oct. 23, admitting that she had stolen money from Bobby Sandage while working for him as a personal care aide. She stole money from Sandage by writing checks to herself using Sandage’s personal checkbook, including writing checks after Sandage passed away last year.

Fuller was sentenced to five years of probation, a $100 fine plus court costs and $10,900 in restitution.

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Griffin announces conviction in elder abuse case

Man found not guilty by insanity in Eau Claire elder abuse case

By: Keith Edwards

EAU CLAIRE COUNTY (WQOW) - A hearing will be held next month to determine what should be done with an Eau Claire man who was found not guilty by insanity this week for elder abuse.

Lue Xiong was charged with attempted murder for allegedly beating and stabbing his father last July. The 87-year-old man needed stitches and had a potentially serious head wound. Xiong's brother said Xiong also put his foot on the victim's neck, affecting his breathing.

Xiong pleaded no contest Tuesday to elder abuse and strangulation/suffocation. The judge then found him not guilty, by reason of mental defect.

A pre-disposition investigation will be done, with a hearing set for June ninth.

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Man found not guilty by insanity in Eau Claire elder abuse case