California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the sentencing of Ronnel Tiburcio, involved in the neglect and abuse of six severely disabled residents at an unlicensed care facility in Riverside. The victims, aged 32 to 66, were found malnourished and living in unsanitary conditions without necessary care. On July 31, 2023, Tiburcio was convicted on six counts of elder abuse likely to cause great bodily harm or death, all felonies. He received a seven-year state prison sentence on December 13, 2024.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized the responsibility caregivers have for the well-being and safety of elderly and dependent adults. "Individuals entrusted with the care of elderly and dependent adults have the utmost responsibility for their well-being and safety," said Attorney General Bonta. "At the California Department of Justice, we will not tolerate any elder abuse or neglect and ensure that any exploitation or harm is met with swift accountability. I want to thank my team, along with the Riverside Police Department, for bringing justice to these victims."
Joel Ombao, owner of several hospice companies including Secure Hands board and care facility where the victims were housed, was sentenced to five years in state prison on July 1, 2024. His assistant Tiburcio and registered nurse Nimfa Molina operated the facility. Molina received a sentence of 122 days in Riverside County jail on October 13, 2023.
The Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (DMFEA) investigates cases like this one to protect Californians from abuse, neglect, fraud against elderly and dependent adults as well as fraud perpetrated on Medi-Cal programs. DMFEA receives funding primarily from a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant totaling $69,244,976 for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2025. The State of California funds the remaining portion.
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