Complaint Investigation Report

Allegation: Drug activity on the premises. It is alleged that "drug addicts" are using and smoking drugs in the rooms, and there have been multiple instances of trespassers entering the facility to use and/or sell drugs. It was reported that suspected drug users threatened a resident because they found out the activity was reported to Administration staff. A total of 11 residents were interviewed, of which eight (8) stated they have seen residents use "crystal meth". A total of 10 staff were interviewed, of which 9 out 10 staff confirmed there are residents that use drugs in the premises with other residents and trespassers. Staff said that there were at least two (2) residents that was selling drugs and were evicted this year. The type of drugs that have been observed and confiscated by staff are; illegal drugs i.e., methamphetamines and cocaine, as well as the legal drug marijuana. Drug paraphernalia like syringes, pipes, bags of drugs, and drug containers have been observed and removed from resident rooms. Administration staff stated that the facility protocol has been to work with residents that are caught with drugs, and if they do not comply they are then given an eviction notice, and/or referred to a psychiatric evaluation that may result in a hold. However, it was stated that most of the drug users refuse evaluations. Staff reported that many of the suspected drug user residents are caught using drugs at least five (5) times a week during evening and night hours.

Staff stated there is zero tolerance for drugs in the premises and residents are only allowed to smoke cigarettes in the outdoors designated smoking area. However, staff interviews revealed that many of the residents are suspected to use illegal drugs i.e. crystal meth outside of the facility premises, but hide the drug paraphernalia in their person. Staff stated they cannot physically pat down the residents. Staff do room and facility checks every 2 hours. Facility protocol is to notify all appropriate parties i.e. probation officers, and mental health providers if a resident is found using drugs in the premises. New Administrator Joyce Garcia's has put in place the following: Residents are given a verbal warning, a corrective action plan, and finally a 30-day eviction in drug use incidents. There are no physician orders for marijuana use on file.

On 5/9/2024, during physical plant inspection, LPAs Galarza and Tyler Reyes observed two (2) residents handling drug paraphernalia in room 14. Two (2) additional residents were observed smoking drugs out of a pipe in the south outdoor patio. The smoke did not smell like marijuana. LPAs took pictures and obtained resident statements confirming illegal drug use in the premises. On 10/3/2024, while LPA was interviewing new Administrator Joyce Garcia a resident alerted her about two (2) residents using illegal drugs in room 103. Administrator and Assistant Administrator went to the room and confiscated drug paraphernalia. LPA took photographs of the confiscated drug paraphernalia. The information and evidence obtained during the investigation sufficiently supports the allegation.