Texas police announced Monday that a woman has been charged in connection with an investigation into allegations of abuse and neglect at five unlicensed group homes that house adults with physical and mental disabilities.
Love and Caring for People LLC operator Regla “Su” Bécquer, 49, was arrested on one count of abandonment/endangering an individual, imminent danger of bodily injury, and could face additional charges pending the outcome Of the investigation. Arlington police said in a news release. She is being held in the Tarrant County Jail on $750,000 bond.
The misconduct that allegedly occurred at the group homes was reported late last year after a resident of one of the homes approached a neighbor to help him escape.
“One day, I was in my backyard and there was an old man there. It looks like he had cerebral palsy or something,” a neighbor told FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth. “He asked me to call 911 because he was trying to escape. So we called the police and brought them here with the ambulance and the fire trucks and stuff, and they've been here a couple of times since then.”
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Regla “Su” Becquer, 49, was arrested on a charge of abandonment/endangering an individual, imminent danger of bodily injury. (Arlington Police)
The Arlington Police Department's Behavioral Health Enforcement Unit subsequently launched a months-long investigation into multiple allegations of abuse, neglect, theft and fraud related to Bécquer and his company's group homes, the department said. in the statement.
Investigators allege that Becquer and his staff failed to adequately care for their customers, prevented customers from seeking medical care, attempted to cut off all communication between customers and their families, made purchases using customers' debit cards without their knowledge or consent, and they kept the customers dead. 'property, including phones and vehicles.
Police identified multiple potential victims and discovered five properties in the Texas cities of Arlington, Mansfield and Grand Prairie connected to Love and Caring for People LLC. Police said there could be more victims and group homes they have not yet found.
“We have learned about some very disturbing things occurring inside these homes and we want to ensure that no victim goes unnoticed,” Police Chief Al Jones said in the statement. “If you or a loved one has spent time in one of these homes, or know of other locations this business may be operating, we need to know.”
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The Arlington Police Department's Behavioral Health Law Enforcement Unit investigated multiple allegations of abuse, neglect, theft and fraud related to Regla “Su” Bécquer and her company's group homes. (Arlington Police)
“Fortunately, our investigation has resulted in several clients being removed from their homes so they can receive the legitimate care they need. But there may be others we need to help,” Jones continued.
As of Tuesday morning, Bécquer had only been charged in connection with a case involving a client. Police said more arrests could come.
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“Our current information on this matter indicates that several cities within our county could be affected by this investigation and we join the Arlington Police Department in asking for the public's assistance to ensure we are fully assisting each and every affected by the suspected wrongdoing of Regla Bécquer,” Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrells said in the statement.
