The Orange County Sheriff's Office said an investigation this past summer found a local farm was operating as a dementia care facility without a license
An Orange County farm illegally operating as an unlicensed facility for those suffering from dementia has been shut down, according to authorities.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office announced Saturday that the residents living at the farm have been removed and the operator of the business has pleaded guilty to abusing the vulnerable and running an assisted-living facility without a state license.
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The sheriff's office did not provide any names or details beyond "a local farm" and "the operator" in its Saturday statement. It is also unclear how many people were living on the property at the time of the bust. The sheriff's office did not immediately respond to a Daily Progress request for more information.
The illegal operation was uncovered this past June as part of a joint operation between law enforcement and the Orange County Department of Social Services, according to the sheriff's office.
"The investigation revealed that the facility was not properly licensed and was failing to meet the required care standards for its residents," the sheriff's office said in its Saturday statement. "As a result, the residents were safely removed and placed in appropriate care facilities."
The sheriff's office took the opportunity Saturday to encourage those looking to place their family in assisted-living or memory-care facilities to use caution. Before someone is placed in any facility, the sheriff's office suggests checking that it is licensed and meets state requirements.
"If you suspect a facility is operating illegally, please contact us immediately. Together, we can keep our community safe," the sheriff's office said.
Anyone with questions about a care facility can reach out to the Department of Social Services at (540)672-6166 or the sheriff's office at (540)672-1234.