CARSON, CA — A Carson couple faces elder abuse and fraud charges after authorities rescued 10 seniors from four unlicensed care facilities where residents were allegedly malnourished and neglected, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Gary Hogg, 80, and Alicia Hogg, 72, were arrested following multi-agency raids conducted on their properties in Carson and Torrance. The investigation began after deputies received a complaint in February regarding concerns about elderly patient services at a residence on the 200 block of West 234th Street in Carson.
Timeline of Rescues
Deputies initially responded to the West 234th Street property on February 24, 2026, where they discovered seven elderly individuals in poor condition. According to law enforcement reports, the residents showed signs of malnutrition and neglect. Three additional seniors were rescued on March 4 when investigators served search warrants at approximately 6 a.m. at multiple locations connected to the couple's alleged operation.
"The care was not happening from what we could see, and they were also unlicensed," Lt. Quiana Penn of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department told reporters. She described the investigation as "a pretty in-depth operation" and noted the facilities were not complying with California laws or county statutes governing residential care.
According to NBC Los Angeles, residents at the facilities were allegedly fed moldy food and cared for by unhoused individuals who lacked proper training or credentials to provide medical care.
Conditions and Charges
The rescued individuals suffered from multiple forms of abuse, according to Sheriff's Capt. Alise Norman. "The victims experienced physical abuse, financial abuse, neglect, and malnourishment," Norman stated, as reported by LAist. All rescued residents were safely transported to licensed care facilities for proper medical treatment and evaluation.
The Hoggs operated at least four separate unlicensed care homes across Carson and Torrance. Business records indicate that Alicia Hogg runs a company called Abundant Care Home Inc., according to ABC7. Both suspects also operate a nonprofit organization called Global Covenant Christian Churches.
California law requires residential care facilities to obtain licensing from the California Department of Social Services and maintain compliance with strict health, safety, and staffing standards. Operating an unlicensed care facility constitutes fraud, while the alleged neglect and malnutrition of residents constitute elder abuse under California Penal Code Section 368.
Family Response
Victoria Palonio, Alicia Hogg's sister, disputed the allegations during an interview with NBC Los Angeles. She claimed her sister previously worked as a social worker for a licensed care facility and maintained that the properties were simply rental homes. "She just accepts rent, renters in the house," Palonio said.
However, investigators found evidence suggesting the properties were being advertised and operated as care facilities rather than standard residential rentals. The involvement of multiple elderly residents requiring assistance with daily living activities, combined with the collection of fees for care services, distinguishes these operations from typical landlord-tenant arrangements.
Multi-Agency Response
The investigation and rescue operation involved coordination among six government agencies, according to LAist. Participating organizations included the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, California Department of Social Services, Los Angeles County Adult Protective Services, Los Angeles County Fire Department, California Department of Justice, and local code enforcement officials.
"Well, they are unlicensed, so hopefully we get them to stop operating," Lt. Penn stated following the arrests.
The collaborative response reflects California's heightened scrutiny of unlicensed care facilities following several high-profile cases of elder abuse in recent years. State regulations require background checks, training certifications, facility inspections, and ongoing oversight for anyone providing residential care services to seniors.
Investigation Continues
Authorities continue to investigate the full scope of the alleged operation and are working to identify additional potential victims. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has asked anyone with information about the case or anyone who may have had family members residing at properties connected to the Hoggs to contact the Carson Station at (310) 830-1123.
The case highlights ongoing challenges in monitoring unlicensed care facilities, which can operate under the guise of boarding houses or assisted living arrangements while providing inadequate care to vulnerable seniors. California has increased enforcement efforts in recent years, but unlicensed facilities continue to emerge, particularly in areas with high demand for affordable senior housing.
Prosecutors will determine formal charges based on the evidence gathered during the investigation. Elder abuse charges in California can result in significant prison sentences, particularly when multiple victims are involved or when the abuse results in serious bodily harm.
Resources for Families
Families concerned about the care quality at any residential facility should verify licensing status through the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division website. The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center provides free assistance at 1-800-677-1116, and families can report suspected abuse or neglect to local Adult Protective Services.
Anyone seeking to verify whether a care facility holds proper licensing can search the California Department of Social Services database online or contact the Community Care Licensing Division directly. Licensed facilities undergo regular inspections and must maintain publicly available records of any violations or citations.
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