2 accused of elder abuse, exposing 4 kids to 'horrendous living conditions,' with feces-filled home
03/27/2024 7:04 pm PDT
VISALIA, Calif. (TCD) -- An elder abuse investigation led to the recent arrest of two people after police reportedly found four kids living in a home filled with feces and bugs.
According to a news release from the Visalia Police Department, on Monday, March 25, at approximately 5 p.m., officers received a call from Kaweah Health Medical Center after a 52-year-old emaciated woman was brought there in medical distress. Officers responded to the facility, and the violent crimes unit assisted in the case.
Further investigation revealed one of the victim's adult daughters allegedly cared for the woman. Officers responded to a home on North Garden Street where the 52-year-old victim had been staying. According to police, during a search of the residence, detectives located 34-year-old Cecilia Rodriguez and 61-year-old Gregory Chavez, as well as four children ages 4 to 15.
Police called the living conditions "horrendous," and they observed "bugs, feces, and trash scattered throughout the home"
Officers called adult protective services, child welfare services, and code enforcement to the scene to assist due to the conditions of the place. Child welfare services took custody of the four juveniles.
According to police, the 52-year-old victim is in stable condition as of March 26.
Police arrested Rodriguez and Chavez on charges of elder abuse, child neglect, and abuse.
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