Couple charged with elder abuse; left ill senior in van while they gambled
By Matthew Rodriguez
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
October 23, 2008
NORTH COUNTY COURTS – A North County couple has been charged with felony elder abuse for allegedly leaving an 84-year-old man suffering from Parkinson's disease in a van while they gambled at a casino.
A security guard at the Valley View Casino in Valley Center spotted the man in the vehicle Saturday and called authorities, said Steven Carver, a deputy district attorney.
Firefighters had to break a window to rescue the man, who had been in the van about an hour-and-a-half and was unresponsive, Carver said. The man was taken to a hospital, where he stayed overnight before being released.
The couple, Donnie and Tessie Magan, pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Vista Superior Court to one count each of felony elder abuse. The couple, who live in the Rancho Bernardo area, face up to four years in prison if convicted, Carver said.
Donnie Magan, 48, was released on his own recognizance. Tessie Magan, 49, remains in Vista jail on $50,000 bail. Neither the Magans nor their attorney could be reached for comment Thursday.
Carver said Tessie Magan worked as the man's caretaker. On Saturday, he said, she offered to take him to her house for a barbecue. The couple then drove to the Valley View Casino, arriving there about 4 p.m., Carver said. The man was found in the van about 5:30 p.m.
The couple's next court date is Nov. 3. A preliminary hearing is scheduled Nov. 5.
SOURCE: Sign on San Diego
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