Complaint Investigation Report

Investigator Canto conducted interviews with the administrator, R1, residents, staff and S1.

In addition, the investigator reviewed Ventura County Sheriff’s Department (VCSD) Report #2024-130212 and facility file documents pertinent to the investigation.

On 03/13/2025, LPA Teri Camara interviewed two (2) residents during a collateral visit at PALS Skill Center and also interviewed two (2) residents at the home during a follow-up visit for a separate investigation.

A review of R1’s Physician Report dated 06/04/2024 lists the primary diagnosis as Autism and secondary diagnosis as intellectual impairment. Further review of R1’s records included behavior report, Individual Service Plan (ISP) and Individual Program Plan (IPP) revealed R1 was admitted to the facility on 06/08/2017 and was able to communicate wants and needs to others effectively and verbally. R1 has a history of aggression, theft, property destruction, graffiti, and elopement.

According to the information in the SOC341 form “Report of Suspected Dependent Adult/Elder Abuse” R1 reported that R1 was watching porn in the backyard on a tablet and was redirected to R1’s bedroom by R1’s housemate and staff. R1 reported that once in R1’s bedroom, S1 entered the bedroom, closed the blinds, and masturbated R1. R1 reported that R1 told S1 to stop, however S1 did not. R1 reported that R1 informed the home supervisor the following day of the incident, however, there was no evidence found that the home supervisor was notified of any incident.

The facility logbook was reviewed. As of 10/13/2024 S1’s log entry stated R1 was watching the football game, R1 was smoking outside, R1 ate dinner, R1 was on the phone with friends, R1 took meds and went to the room to relax. There was no indication of any behavioral episodes or redirection needed for R1 on that date.

During the course of the Department’s investigation, interviews were conducted with R1, the facility staff, and the alleged suspect S1. The Ventura County Sheriff's Department responded to the allegation and conducted their investigation. Their investigation noted no criminal prosecution. R1 alleged S1 sexually battered R1, specifically, R1 alleged S1 masturbated R1. R1 gave several inconsistent statements regarding the alleged incident; however, R1 maintained the allegation. R1 was unable to provide specific information regarding the allegation. S1 denied the allegation and theorized the allegation was made due to R1’s behavior of not following house rules.