MONTEREY, CA – A woman who worked as a certified nursing assistant at a California nursing home has been charged with sexually assaulting three elderly patients there.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the arrest and filing of felony charges against Paul Nkoy Lumbi, Jr., who was a CNA at Forest Hill Manor in Pacific Grove.
In a complaint filed in Monterey County Superior Court, Lumbi was charged with multiple felony counts related to the sexual assault of three victims, including forcible lewd acts on a dependent adult, forcible rape, and rape of a person incapable of giving consent.
“Caregivers have a responsibility to treat those in their care with compassion and dignity,” said Bonta. “Sexual assault is always unacceptable and assaulting an individual during one of the most vulnerable and difficult periods of their life reaches a new low. At the California Department of Justice, we are committed to fighting against all forms of elder abuse and sexual misconduct.”
According to the criminal complaint, the alleged victims are an 82-year-old dependent person identified as D.Z., an 82-year-old dependent adult identified as J.W., and a third dependent adult identified as G.M. All were under Lumbi’s care at the time. All were unable to give consent due to medical conditions. The alleged offenses occurred on March 15, July 7, and July 25, 2024.
Prior to being employed at Forest Hill Manor, Lumbi worked at other facilities throughout Monterey County and is currently employed by Cypress Ridge Care Center.
Lumbi faces life in prison if convicted of all charges. He would also be required to register as a sex offender if convicted. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and was being held in Monterey County Jail with bail set at $2,710,000.
Bonta asked anyone with further information about accusations of sexual misconduct by Lumbi to contact the California Department of Justice’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse, which investigates and prosecutes those responsible for abuse and neglect of elderly and dependent adults and those who perpetrate fraud on the Medi-Cal program.
Facts About Nursing Home Abuse
Sexual abuse is among the most common types of nursing home abuse, along with neglect (failure to provide proper care), emotional/psychological abuse, physical abuse, and financial exploitation. Each type can have serious consequences for the resident’s health and well-being. Studies suggest that up to 1 in 6 nursing home residents may experience some form of abuse each year. However, it’s believed that many cases go unreported due to residents’ fear or inability to communicate.
A national survey revealed that over 64% of elder abuse victims are women. In a survey of 577 nurses and nursing aides, 81% said they had witnessed emotional elder abuse, with 40% admitting to committing at least one incident themselves over a 12-month period.
Where to Report Abuse
If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, you can report the abuse to local law enforcement or Adult Protective Services (APS) in your state. APS can investigate and take protective actions. You can also contact your state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates for residents’ rights and can help resolve issues within the facility. Additionally, you can file a complaint with your state’s Department of Public Health or equivalent agency responsible for overseeing nursing homes.
While these reporting channels are available, navigating them can be time-consuming and overwhelming. That’s where our service comes in. FreeNursingHomeAbuseReport.com is a valuable resource that can help you navigate this challenging process. Fill out our form now to request a free consultation with a nursing home abuse attorney to ensure that your loved one’s rights are fully protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve. Our experienced team will handle the reporting process on your behalf, ensuring that your concerns are addressed promptly and thoroughly. We will file the necessary complaints, follow up with the appropriate agencies, and keep you informed every step of the way.
