According to Wild her freedom was gradually stripped, \u201cSlowly it was taken away from me,\u201d said Wild. <\/p>\n
She said she was desperate and felt trapped in the homes. She claimed her calls for help went ignored and recalled the conditions at homes operated by Carenan and Pack, \u201cI called it a hellhole,\u201d said Wild. \u201cThere was not enough toilet paper. People were stealing toilet paper, stealing food,stealing everything they could get their hands on. It was desperation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Investigators testified Thursday, in total 5 people died in connection<\/a> with the care they received before Pack and Carenan were arrested two weeks ago.<\/p>\n Channel 9 has repeatedly reached out to state regulators asking why patients were allowed to stay in the homes, despite the fact regulators knew they were operating without a license.<\/p>\n Detectives testified approximately 38 patients were removed when Carenan and Pack were arrested Wednesday June 24th 2026. <\/a><\/p>\n Both the Department of Children and Families and the Agency for Health Care Administration dodged answering that question today.<\/p>\n You can read the statements they have sent since our reporting began on this topic below. <\/p>\n AHCA Communications: <\/p>\n \u201cThe Agency\u2019s investigation of Cherish Home Care and Cherish Independent Living was conducted in coordination with the Attorney General\u2019s Office. The Agency has not issued fines against these locations. Operating an unlicensed ALF is a third-degree felony under 429.08(1)(a)-(b), Florida Statutes, so any further action will be handled by law enforcement.<\/p>\n In general, when the Agency confirms unlicensed activity, it issues a cease-and-desist notice demanding the illegal activity stop immediately, then refers the case to law enforcement. If the activity continues, the Agency can pursue injunctive relief through the courts, which may include fines.<\/p>\n We encourage consumers to visit FloridaHealthFinder<\/a> to access Consumer Guides<\/a> for finding and comparing licensed facilities such as ALFs and nursing homes.\u201d <\/p>\n Florida Department of Children and Families: <\/p>\n \u201cThe Department investigates reports accepted by the Florida Abuse Hotline involving allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. Information regarding investigations is confidential pursuant to section 415.107, Florida Statutes.<\/p>\n During Wednesday\u2019s operation, Department Adult Protective Investigators, Behavioral Health Consultants, and nurses made contact with 35 vulnerable adults. The Department conducted safety and risk assessments, provided placement assistance as appropriate, and addressed immediate needs of all 35 adults to ensure their well-being.<\/p>\n The Agency for Health Care Administration is responsible for licensure and enforcement for assisted living facilities. Department Adult Protective Investigators did not refer or place vulnerable adults in the care of Cherish Home LLC or any of its related entities as they were not licensed facilities. If an individual is in need of placement assistance for an assisted living facility, Adult Protective Investigators use AHCA\u2019s database to identify licensed placement options.<\/p>\n We will continue to work with our partners to hold bad actors accountable, and we encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected fraud, abuse or exploitation involving a vulnerable adult to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873).\u201d <\/p>\n Click here<\/a> to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here<\/a> to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.<\/p>\n