A couple who manage a Chandler assisted living facility have pleaded guilty to vulnerable adult abuse. The charges stem from the August death of a resident who went two days without air conditioning.
State prosecutors say Joseph Somera and Lolita Somera, both 56, operated Happy Homes Assisted Living Facility.
They say Lolita Somera has already been sentenced to 90 days in jail. After the woman completes her term, prosecutors say she will be turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement because she’s in the country illegally.
Prosecutors say Joseph Somera is scheduled to be sentenced on December 5.
The air conditioning at the facility reportedly failed on August 16 in 109-degree weather.
Five residents were left without air conditioning, including a 69-year-old man who was found dead two days later.