Tyler, TX:
Jessica Rottab, executive director of the East Texas Center for Independent Living advocacy group for the disabled in Tyler, TX has been charged in the US Eastern District of Texas for stealing over $500,000 intended for handicapped clients. (Source: KLTV)
(Source: KETK)
According to US Attorneys, Rottab began stealing federal program funds in June 2017 through September 2018. Rottab has been ordered to return the stolen $530,000 and is facing formal charges pending a court date. (Source: US Eastern District)
The US Department of Health and Humans Services may operate slowly in East Texas, but it typically does not look kindly to the theft of government money and/or the abuse of special needs clients. Unfortunately, members of the family cliques in the area believe they are entitled through birthright to any and all cash flowing in and out of the non-profits. They also think they can get away with abusing the handicapped and elderly residents because Adult Protective Services often looks the other way.
In March 2020, Toni Marie Rambo, a QC director at the Azleway Boy's Ranch in Tyler was sentenced to 40 years state prison for stealing over $190,000 from the facility. (Source: KLTV)
Toni Marie Rambo
Two caregivers were caught on camera abusing an autistic teenage resident of the Community Access, Inc. group home in Tyler, TX. On March 17, 2020, Bubacarr Ceesay, 24, of Tyler, and Auston Kile Reed, 23, of Lindale, were indicted in Smith County on multiple felony Injury to a Disable Person charges. (Source: Tyler Paper)
Footnote:
July 7, 2020 at the Steger Federal Courthouse in Tyler, TX, Jessica Rottab entered a guilty plea for embezzling $526,000 from the East Texas Center for Independent Living. Her deal includes 7 years in federal prison and an undisclosed fine. Sentencing is scheduled later in the Fall.
