Beard Street adult care facility still in limbo

The Department of Human Services (DHS) held a hearing in mid-May that was supposed to decide the fate of the adult foster care facility at 1325 Beard St. Instead, the judge has asked for written arguments to be handed in by July 7, extending the deadline till Aug. 7 for a final decision. The decision will then be reviewed by DHS Director Ismael Ahmed, who will concur or dissent.

Beard Street resident Alex Harris said wearily, "This is going to be drawn out all summer." Justice has been slow coming. Since the facility began operation eight years ago neighbors have complained to local and state officials about suspected abuse.

In February and March, two individuals died under the care of Victoria Chapman — one at Beard Street and another at an unlicensed facility on Stanley Road. Victoria's mother, Mary Chapman, reported by neighbors to have been seen frequently at the facility, had her foster care license revoked in 2005 after a resident of a Holly foster care facility died under her care.

An elderly abuse task force lead by Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell went into the Beard Street facility and removed the residents.

According to Pickell, the house was filthy and rodent-infested. The residents were suffering malnourishment and neglect. The task force has since raided houses across Oakland and Genesee County known to be associated with the Chapmans.

In April, three adults were removed from a Fleming Road facility run by Mary Chapman's nephew, who was not licensed for adult foster care. Residents allegedly were not being administered their medication. He is currently under investigation.

"This is trafficking in bodies," Pickell said.

He said Chapman was paid around $800 per client per month by the state.

"Where is the court-assigned guardian?" Pickell demanded. "What lawyer allows people to live in these unsavory conditions?"

As neighbors wait to hear the fate of the house, Harris says he has seen no sign of activity at the facility during this interim period.

"Hopefully, one day the bank will foreclose on the property," Harris said. "It would be a merciful way to get this thing resolved."

While the DHS makes the decision on the facility and the licenses of the Chapman family, any prosecution of the Chapmans individually must come from a local jurisdiction.

Pickell said no charges can be made until the autopsy report for Joann Christopher, who died under Chapman's care, is released.  Charges, Pickell added, must come from the county prosecutor.

"I suspect there will be charges," Pickell said.

These charges could be as severe as homicide by negligence involving prison time for the Chapmans.

"I'd like to see the Genesee County sheriff and the county prosecutor move aggressively and prosecute these people. They have done a grave disservice to elderly people," Harris said.