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Volunteer Musician Charged in Alleged Rape of Alzheimer’s Resident at La Mirada Facility

The case spotlights weak screening that can leave cognitively impaired residents at risk.

Overview

  • Los Angeles County sheriff’s investigators arrested Jonathan Michael Alvarado and charged him with rape and elder abuse tied to an incident at The Palms La Mirada.
  • Family-installed cameras in the 61-year-old resident’s room captured a man undressing and later leaving her on the bed without clothes, according to the daughter, Camyl Anderson.
  • Anderson reported the footage to caregivers and police after camera alerts showed unusual activity, which led staff to check on her mother and investigators to open a case.
  • The family filed a $25 million lawsuit alleging the facility failed at access control, screening, supervision, monitoring, reporting, escalation, resident protection, policy enforcement, and compliance.
  • The facility said it is disturbed by the allegations and will cooperate with law enforcement, and the Sheriff’s Special Victims Bureau is asking anyone with information to contact investigators.