Pearl Harbor Survivor Suffers Elder Abuse
In San Diego, a 93-year-old man was believed to be the victim of elder abuse and neglect as he was found in his home disoriented, dehydrated and living in unsanitary conditions early in the week. Arnold V. Bauer, a Pearl Harbor survivor suffering from dementia and prostate cancer was taken to a Veterans Affairs hospital after he was discovered in his home.
63-year-old Milagros Angeles who was Bauer’s caretaker for the last three years pleaded guilty to four counts of felony elder abuse and neglect, theft, false imprisonment and forgery in connection with this incident. Angeles’ bail was set at $1 million. The Deputy District Attorney stated that Angeles had written checks to herself totaling $7,400 in the last two months and when authorities arrested her they found another $9,000 hidden in her pockets, in a money belt, and in a bedroom she had at Bauer’s home. In the home authorities found trash, overflowing toilets and rat feces throughout the entire home.
We all talk about how we should show respect for the men and women that are overseas fighting for us. However, many people forget that former soldiers of past wars deserve just as much respect. This man was not extended that respect when Angeles stole money from his accounts for her own benefit. Bauer was treated with a complete lack of respect not only for stealing his money but allowing him to remain in a situation that was very unsanitary and detrimental to his health. Bauer and any other elderly person treated disrespectfully like this deserves to have compensation and justice for their suffering. Nobody should ever be left to rot in unsanitary conditions, especially at an elderly age.
