Lancaster, CA. March 21, 2024 — In a continuing effort to safeguard our community's most vulnerable, the Lancaster Police Department, under the direction of Chief Rodrick Armalin, successfully conducted a critical operation on Thursday to shut down another illegal senior home operating within the City of Lancaster. This is the second operation to dismantle the illegal senior homes operating in our City, with the first operation successfully completed late last fall.

Mayor R. Rex Parris commented on the operation, stating, "It is utterly unacceptable that anyone would prey on our senior citizens, exploiting them for profit. This recent operation underscores our unwavering commitment to the safety and dignity of all Lancaster residents. I commend the dedicated officers and public safety personnel for their diligent efforts in bringing these back-alley operations to light."

During the operation, officers discovered four elderly individuals living under inhumane conditions, two of whom required immediate emergency care, prompting immediate removal for their safety and well-being. The house was subsequently red-tagged for failing to meet basic living standards, highlighting the City's zero-tolerance policy for such unsafe living environments.

This crackdown follows a series of similar operations aimed at eliminating the exploitation of seniors in the community. These illegal establishments not only endanger the health and safety of occupants but also operate without the necessary licenses and oversight required for senior care facilities. In addition, many of these facilities also participate in fraudulent activities, further exploiting vulnerable senior citizens.

Key outcomes of the operation include:

• Closure and red-tagging of one illegal senior living facility.
• Safe removal of four elderly residents from unsafe conditions.
• Ongoing investigations to identify and charge individuals responsible for the operation.

Chief Rodrick Armalin emphasized the collective effort, stating, "This operation is another example of what we can achieve when we come together as a community and as law enforcement. Protecting our elderly, who have contributed so much to our city, is not just a duty but a moral obligation. Rest assured, we will continue to combat these reprehensible acts with all available resources."

The City of Lancaster urges anyone with information related to illegal senior homes or elder abuse to come forward and contact the Public Safety Department. Your information could be crucial in protecting the well-being of our senior community.

For more information, please contact the Lancaster Police Department at LPD@cityoflancasterca.gov or visit www.cityoflancasterca.gov/PublicSafety.

About the City of Lancaster, CA

Lancaster is a diverse community of nearly 170,000, leading the future through science, technology, art, culture, and collaboration. Home to astronauts, rocket scientists, families, and innovative businesses large and small, we are leading the USA with innovation. Combined with spectacular landscapes and clean air, Lancaster has the confidence, expertise, spirit, and imagination to transform tomorrow. We are: Creating a better tomorrow. Visit us at www.cityoflancasterca.gov.

City of Lancaster Police Department is steadfastly committed to providing superior public safety services to all who live, work, and visit our City. They work alongside the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station to uphold the peace and enhance the quality of life in Lancaster. The Lancaster Police Department proudly embraces state-of-the-art technology, data-driven decision-making processes, and community-oriented policing strategies to address the unique needs and concerns of our citizens.

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