Santa Barbara County nurse charged with 77 felonies
Santa Barbara Nurse Charged With 77 Felonies in Elder Abuse Case
A registered nurse who operated an unlicensed in-home health care business in Santa Barbara County is facing 77 felony charges for allegedly stealing from elderly clients and failing to pay required taxes and employment obligations.
The Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office announced charges against Rosanne Marquis, 71, who prosecutors say ran the illegal business since at least 2019. CalCoastNews reported Marquis was scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday.
Multi-Agency Investigation Uncovers Financial Crimes
According to the Santa Barbara Independent, court records indicate the theft totaled "over $100,000." Marquis allegedly stole from elderly dependent adults, including a veteran, and failed to provide accurate tax returns for her business or make required deductions and payments to the Employment Development Department on behalf of her employees.
The investigation involved a multi-agency team including the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and the California Employment Development Department.
Background and Professional History
Before opening Rosanne Marquis HomeCare Service, which lists a Hope Ranch property as its address, Marquis worked as the first trauma nurse coordinator at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. The Santa Barbara Independent reported she also previously served on the boards of the Council of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (CADA) and the Alzheimer's Women's Initiative.
Marquis was arrested in April and formally charged this week, according to court documents.
Central Coast Context and Elder Protection Laws
The case highlights ongoing concerns about elder abuse in California's Central Coast region. In Santa Barbara County alone, there are 17 licensed nursing homes and over 100 assisted living facilities serving elderly and dependent adults, according to legal advocacy groups.
California's Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act specifically protects seniors aged 65 and older and dependent adults from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. The law requires certain professionals, including healthcare workers, to report suspected abuse.
Residents concerned about elder abuse in Santa Barbara County can contact Adult Protective Services at (844) 751-6729 or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office at (800) 231-4024.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Marquis is currently out of custody on bail and was scheduled to be arraigned in Department 8 of the Santa Barbara Superior Court on June 9, 2026. The case is being prosecuted by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office under District Attorney John T. Savrnoch.
For San Luis Obispo County residents, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying licensing and credentials when selecting in-home care providers. The California Department of Public Health maintains databases of licensed facilities and providers that families can consult when making care decisions for elderly relatives.
Reported by 805.life
Researched and written drawing on primary sources. Additional reporting: CalCoastNews.
City
San Luis ObispoAdditional Reporting
CalCoastNewsPublished
June 9, 2026
Reported and written by 805.life
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