Porterville man accused of running illegal elder care center

Sheyanne N Romero
Visalia Times-Delta

A 66-year-old Porterville man has been arrested after allegations surfaced that he was running an unlicensed elder facility and claims of physical abuse.  

Officers responded to a medical aid call just after 9:30 a.m. at Victory Palace Room and Board in the 1600 block of West McComb Avenue. While at the facility, officers were contacted by someone who told them patients were being mistreated. 

Juan Ledesma

Detectives began an investigation into allegations of elder abuse. A search warrant was obtained and evidence was located at the home that backed up the accusations.  

The facility, located in a residential neighborhood, was being operated by Juan Ledesma, who owned the home. Lt. Dominic Barteau said that Ledesma was operating the care home without a license. 

He may have been operating the facility for more than two years.

Employees were interviewed and it was determined that three men and one woman were being "improperly" cared for, according to police. The nature of the abuse was physical but detectives are investigating whether there was financial abuse as well, Barteau said. 

Adult Protective Services were called and later removed the patients from the home. They were taken to Sierra View Medical Center for medical evaluations then placed in new care facilities. 

Ledesma was arrested and booked into Tulare County Pretrial Facility. His bail was set at $1,000,000. 

"Do diligent research on the facility you plan to place your loved one in," Barteau said. "Call Adult Protective Services if you suspect abuse." 

Officials with the APS encourage people to report the following signs of abuse:

  • Sudden inability to meet essential physical, psychological or social needs threatening health, safety or well-being
  • Disappearing from contact with neighbors, friends or family
  • Bruising or welts on the skin, especially those appearing on the face or lateral and anterior region of the arms
  • Fingerprints or handprints visible on the face, neck, arms or wrists
  • Burns from scalding, cigarettes, or in shapes of objects such as an iron
  • Cuts, lacerations or puncture wounds
  • Sprains, fractures or dislocations
  • Internal injuries or vomiting
  • Appearing with torn, stained, bloody clothing
  • Appearing disheveled, in soiled clothing or inappropriately attired for climate
  • Appearing hungry, malnourished, disoriented or confused

Detectives are working with APS and the Department of Justice. Anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to call Detective Orlando Ortiz at 782-7400.