SALINAS — The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office has announced that 55-year-old Ralph Garcia has plead guilty to felony elder abuse of his 85-year-old bedridden father. Garcia will be sentenced to 356 days in county jail and supervised felony probation for 3 years, as well as a 4-year prison sentence if he violates his probation.
Almost two years ago, Garcia was the primary caregiver to his father. Police were notified by a good Samaritan who noticed the man’s condition and realized he was not receiving proper care. He was transported to the hospital as a result of numerous open ulcers on his hips and lower back area, many of which were infected. Maggots were also discovered inside some of the sores and on his back.
Soledad Police conducted a neglect investigation after being contacted by the hospital.
Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced on August 5, 2016, by Judge Pamela Butler.
