A man was charged with sex crimes after he was accused of sexually assaulting an elderly woman with dementia inside a La Mirada senior independent living facility, NBC Los Angeles confirmed Friday.
The alleged victim’s family claimed that Jonathan Alvarado, who played piano as a volunteer at The Palms La Mirada, went into the building without authorization and assaulted the victim in her 60s.
The alleged victim’s attorney said Alvarado assaulted the victim twice in May and June 2025, and the acts were captured on Ring cameras that the victim’s daughter had installed in the room. The attorney also claimed when confronted about the sex assaults, Alvarado even admitted to the crime.
But when he made his initial court appearance in January, Alvarado pleaded not guilty.
Investigators believe there could be more victims given “the predatory nature of the alleged offenses,” LA County Sheriff’s Department said.
“(Given) Alvarado’s repeated access to vulnerable elderly individuals through his role, investigators have reason to believe there may be additional unidentified victims,” the sheriff’s department said.
As Alvarado faces the felony charges of rape and lewd act, the alleged victim’s family filed a civil lawsuit against Alvarado, The Palms La Mirada and its parent company Discovery Senior Living Holdings, LLC.
In response, the facility’s spokesperson released a statement, saying the safety and wellbeing of the residents is the company’s top priority.
“We are disturbed by these allegations and will fully cooperate with any criminal investigation,” the spokesperson said. “Because this matter involves and ongoing criminal case, and out of respect for the privacy of our resident, it is not appropriate to comment further.”
Alvarado is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on April 10 in Norwalk.