Image sources: Paul Nkoy Lumbi, Jr., courtesy of KSBW. Google Street View of Forest Hill Manor, in Pacific Grove, CA, where he worked at the time of the alleged assaults, © Google, via Google Maps.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced felony charges against Paul Nkoy Lumbi Jr., 60, a certified nursing assistant.
Lumbi is accused of sexually assaulting three elderly and vulnerable patients at a nursing home, Forest Hill Manor, in Pacific Grove, CA.
This case raises urgent concerns about patient safety and institutional accountability in nursing homes.
Criminal Charges Filed
According to the felony complaint filed in Monterey County Superior Court, Lumbi faces seven felony counts, consisting of a lewd act by a caretaker upon a dependent adult, forcible lewd act by a caretaker upon a dependent adult, rape of a person incapable of giving consent, and forcible rape.
The complaint identifies three victims by their initials: D.Z., 82, J.W., 82, and G.M. It alleges that the assaults took place while the patients were entrusted to Lumbi’s care at the facility, on or about March 15, July 7, and July 25, 2024.
According to the complaint, Lumbi “took advantage of a position of trust or confidence to commit the offenses.”
The attorney general’s office confirmed that before his employment at Forest Hill Manor, “Lumbi worked at other facilities throughout Monterey County and is currently employed by Cypress Ridge Care Center.”
If convicted on all counts, Lumbi would face life in prison, mandatory sex offender registration, and likely revocation of his CNA certification.
The attorney general’s office encourages anyone with information on the case to “submit a complaint to the Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse at oag.ca.gov/dmfea/reporting.”
Institutional Responsibility
While the criminal case targets Lumbi, families and survivors may also look to Forest Hill Manor for answers about how such abuse could have occurred inside the facility.
Under California law, nursing homes are required to prevent abuse by carefully vetting staff, maintaining close supervision, and immediately reporting any warning signs.
The facility has reportedly cooperated with law enforcement since the allegations came to light. But cooperation after the fact does not erase the question of whether Forest Hill Manor fulfilled its duty to protect residents from abuse in the first place.
If Forest Hill Manor failed to act on prior concerns, it may be held civilly liable for the harm suffered by its residents.
Nursing Home Abuse: A Widespread Problem
Sadly, sexual abuse in nursing homes is not rare. Elderly and dependent residents are among the most vulnerable populations, often unable to speak up or protect themselves. Across the United States, systemic problems, including understaffing, poor oversight, and weak reporting systems, have allowed elder abuse to continue unchecked.
Advocates emphasize the urgent need for stronger protections, including thorough background checks for healthcare workers, ongoing staff training on patient rights and abuse prevention, accessible reporting systems, and swift removal of staff accused of misconduct.
Civil Justice for Survivors and Families
Beyond the criminal case, survivors and families may have the right to pursue civil legal action. Civil lawsuits can secure compensation for victims, hold negligent institutions accountable, and compel facilities to adopt stronger policies that protect residents from future harm.
At Andreozzi + Foote, our attorneys have extensive experience representing survivors of sexual abuse in institutional settings, including nursing homes. We are committed to helping survivors and their families seek justice and systemic change.
If you or someone you know was abused by Paul Nkoy Lumbi, Jr., or by another person entrusted with care in a nursing home, please reach out to our compassionate attorneys today for a free and confidential consultation.
We are here to listen and help you explore your options for justice.
📞 Call (866) 899-8753
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