California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the guilty plea of Brandon Benavente, a caretaker for elderly and dependent persons in San Diego County. While working as a caretaker, Benavente sexually assaulted three elderly dependents, and stole personal property including money, jewelry, and a handgun. Today in the San Diego County Superior Court, Benavente pled guilty to 11 felonies relating to sexual assault, financial and elder abuse, as well as theft. Additionally, Benavente’s girlfriend and co-defendant Odaliz Mendez also pled guilty to multiple felonies relating to her involvement in the theft scheme. Benavente and Mendez’s sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2022. The parties have agreed to request that the court enter a sentence in excess of 14 years, which would be one of the longest elder abuse sentences imposed in a case brought by the California Department of Justice. In addition, the defendants will also be ordered to pay restitution to their victims.
