Artesia

The state Department of Social Services may decide June 17 whether an Artesia facility for developmentally disabled adults should be closed permanently. The 29-bed facility, Robinson Residential Care, 13432 S. Gridley Road, was closed two months ago following allegations that patients had been sexually abused by a male employee.

A subsequent investigation of the facility by the Social Services Department found numerous violations and resulted in a temporary suspension of owner Paul Robinson’s operating license.

Robinson also operates three smaller facilities for disabled adults, all in the city of Orange. Although none of those facilities have been closed, the regulatory agency is investigating them.

“Any time questions arise about one facility, it is a normal course to examine all facilities under that licensee,” said Kathleen Norris, a Sacramento-based spokeswoman for the Social Services Department. The future of Robinson’s three Orange County facilities also will be debated at the June hearing.

According to state records, three male residents were sexually assaulted by an employee at the 24-hour Artesia facility between February, 1983, and early 1984. In addition, Norris said, various employee records were missing, including medical reports and employment applications. And in March of this year, Norris said, the facility was left unattended by staff members overnight.

Norris said each allegation is a violation of the operating license and grounds for closing the facility permanently.

Sheriff’s deputies said no criminal charges have been filed against Robinson or any of his employees.