WATTS : State Seeks Closure of Boardinghouse

The state attorney general’s office is trying to bar a woman and her grandson from operating a room-and-board center, alleging the two are operating an adult day-care center without a license.

For nearly five months, State Deputy Atty. Tammy Chung has been seeking a preliminary injunction against Geneva Church and Mark Gory, arguing the clients at Ephesians Haven require supervised care.

In November, the state Department of Social Services revoked Church’s license at the Sharon Lynn Guest Home at 12040 S. Broadway, citing numerous violations including the lack of hot water. More than half of the 11 clients were moved to the Ephesians Haven at 1925 Hobart St., a room-and-board facility operated by Gory.

Last week, Chung again went before Superior Court Judge Diane Wayne seeking an injunction, but Wayne postponed the hearing after defense attorneys argued they needed more time to prepare their case.

Chung said she has additional testimony from doctors who have treated former clients of the Sharon Lynn Guest Home who are now at the Hobart Street facility.

“Before, Geneva Church got a declaration from a medical doctor who made a general statement that (the clients) are capable of independent living,” said Chung. “So this time, we’ve got the medical opinion to contradict what the other doctor said.”

The case is expected to go before Wayne on May 17.