D.A.’s Investigation Clears Group Home

Dist. Atty. Michael D. Bradbury announced Monday that an investigation into complaints about Casa Pacifica revealed no evidence of unreported criminal wrongdoing at the facility for abused and neglected children.

“There were allegations of criminal misconduct between clients and misconduct by staff members that were never reported to law enforcement,” said Jeffrey Bennett, chief deputy district attorney.

Investigators interviewed residents, former staff members and local law enforcement officials as part of the seven-month probe. They also reviewed law enforcement incident reports and Department of Social Services records and concluded there was no evidence of unreported criminal conduct.

The district attorney did not receive information on any specific incident but general complaints from a wide range of concerned parties.

“We never really had any concerns that there was any criminal misconduct at Casa Pacifica,” said Steve Elson, the facility’s executive director. “We appreciate the district attorney confirming this and making it public.”

This is the third investigation of the shelter that has concluded within the last month.

The Ventura County Grand Jury released a report May 28 stating that Casa Pacifica makes a “valiant effort” but is hindered by problems in funding, design and regulations. In an unrelated report one day later, the state Department of Social Services informed Casa Pacifica officials that after a seven-month investigation it recommended that the facility’s license be revoked.

Casa Pacifica officials are working on a correction plan in an effort to keep its license.