Attorney General Tom Horne Confirms the Arrest of Melissa Gizelle Pacheco on Charges of Vulnerable Adult Abuse

PHOENIX (Thursday, February 10, 2011) -- Attorney General Tom Horne today confirms the arrest of Melissa Gizelle Pacheco of Phoenix, Arizona, on multiple charges of vulnerable adult abuse. Pacheco, a registered nurse, is being arrested for her alleged conduct as owner of the Fiesta Village Assisted Living Facility, where she allegedly failed to properly staff, maintain and clean the home where at least 65 adults with both physical and mental limitations were living under her care.

The facility was shut down and the residents removed to other facilities by the Phoenix Police Department.

Melissa Pacheco was arrested at 10:00 a.m. today by the Phoenix Police Department and investigators from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Attorney General’s Office.

“The allegations here are extremely disturbing.  I applaud the efforts of the Phoenix Police Department to aggressively investigate these charges.  I have asked my Medicaid Fraud investigators and prosecutors to assist in any way possible to be certain anyone found responsible for causing these deplorable conditions is held responsible,” Horne said.

The charges are merely accusations and the suspect is presumed innocent of all charges until or unless she is proven guilty.

The charges will be reviewed by the Attorney General's Phoenix Office.  For more information, contact Arizona Attorney General's Office Press Secretary Amy Rezzonico at 602-542-8019.

###