CARSON, CA — A husband and wife were taken into custody on suspicion of elder abuse and fraud following a multi-agency operation that resulted in the rescue of at least 10 malnourished elderly individuals from unlicensed residential care facilities in Carson, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Gary Hogg, 80, and Alicia Hogg, 72, were arrested on March 5, 2026, after investigators served search warrants at four properties the couple allegedly operated without proper state licensing or medical credentials, as reported by LAist. The arrests came after a coordinated effort involving the Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, California Department of Justice, California Department of Social Services, Los Angeles County Adult Protective Services, and the City of Carson.
The investigation began after authorities received information last month regarding potentially unlicensed care facilities operating in the area. On February 24, 2026, deputies responded to a residence on the 200 block of West 234th Street in Carson, where they discovered seven elderly patients living in conditions characterized by malnutrition and neglect, according to ABC7. An additional three victims were removed from the properties during the March 5 operation.
According to the Sheriff's Department, some of the rescued individuals required immediate medical attention and were transported to local hospitals, while others were relocated to licensed residential care facilities that meet state standards. The exact number of unlicensioned facilities the couple allegedly operated remains under investigation, and it is unclear whether additional residents remain unaccounted for.
"I want to personally thank all the personnel and partner agencies who worked diligently and quickly to locate the elderly patients," Sheriff's Captain Alise Norman stated in a press release. "Their professionalism and teamwork ensured each individual was safely treated, cared for, and transported to more appropriate locations where they could receive the attention they needed."
California law requires all residential care facilities for the elderly to obtain licensing through the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division. Licensed facilities must meet stringent health and safety standards, maintain adequate staffing ratios, and ensure caregivers receive proper training. Unlicensed facilities operate outside regulatory oversight, leaving vulnerable residents at risk of neglect, abuse, and substandard care.
The couple faces charges of elder abuse and fraud, though the Sheriff's Department has not released details regarding the specific nature of the alleged fraud. Elder abuse charges in California can encompass physical harm, financial exploitation, neglect, and abandonment of individuals 65 years or older.
Unlicensed Care Facilities: A Growing Concern
The case highlights ongoing concerns about unlicensed residential care operations throughout California. State regulators and law enforcement agencies have identified unlicensed facilities as a persistent problem, particularly in cases where operators prey on vulnerable populations and their families seeking affordable care options.
California's Community Care Licensing Division maintains a public database of all licensed residential care facilities, allowing families to verify a facility's legal status and review inspection records. Operating a care facility without proper licensing constitutes a criminal offense under state law.
Resources for Families
Families concerned about potential abuse or neglect in residential care settings can contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, and assisted living facilities. The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center can be reached at 1-800-677-1116.
California residents can also report suspected unlicensed care facilities or instances of elder abuse to the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division or local Adult Protective Services agencies. Reports can be made anonymously, and trained investigators will follow up on complaints.
Families should verify that any residential care facility is properly licensed before placing a loved one in their care. The California Department of Social Services maintains an online facility search tool at ccld.dss.ca.gov where families can confirm licensing status and review inspection findings.
Additional information about recognizing signs of elder abuse and neglect is available through local Area Agencies on Aging and the California Department of Aging.
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