Attorney General Masto Announces Sentencing of Las Vegas Group Home Operator


August 13, 2013

Defendant Operated an Unlicensed Residential Facility

    Las Vegas, NV – Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto announced that Luzviminda Rosario Jose, 50, of Las Vegas, was sentenced today for operating a residential facility without a license.

      “Licensure and regulatory oversight is important because it ensures safety equipment at residential facilities, including fire sprinklers and properly screened and qualified staff on property, both of which are vital for the safety of the occupants and the neighborhood,” Masto said.

        In May 2012 the Nevada State Health Division provided information to the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) that Jose was operating an unlicensed residential facility. The Health Division discovered two residents in the facility, one was considered a vulnerable adult and the other was an elderly woman. Jose was not cooperative with the Health Division, while the two women were maintained behind a secured door. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to the facility to force open the door to the room. The two women, who were not self-ambulatory, were transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Licensure would have ensured a safety and exit plan, fire sprinklers and proper staffing. The matter was turned over to the MFCU for further criminal investigation.

          Jose pled guilty to two misdemeanor offenses, acting without lawful authority, and disturbing the peace. In addition to serving community service, Justice of the Peace William D. Jansen sentenced Jose to a suspended sentence of 180 days in jail, and $25,000 in restitution of costs. Persons and businesses convicted of crimes regarding abuse or neglect of the elderly may be suspended from participation as a provider of government services.

            The case was investigated and prosecuted by the MFCU, which investigates and prosecutes financial fraud by those providing healthcare services or goods to Medicaid patients. The MFCU also investigates and prosecutes instances of elder abuse or neglect. Anyone wishing to report suspicions regarding any of these concerns may contact the MFCU at 775-684-1191 or 702-486-3187. Medicaid fraud information can also be found on the Attorney General’s web site: http://ag.nv.gov/.

              LUZVIMINDA ROSARIO JOSE 
              2013-08-13 Luzviminda Rosario Jose Face 2013-08-13 Luzviminda Rosario Jose Profile

                (Photos courtesy of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)

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