La. Nursing Home Owners Surrender

Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., reported that owners of St. Rita’s Nursing Home surrendered to Medicaid Fraud Control Unit Investigators in Baton Rouge on Sept. 14. St. Rita’s Nursing Home is located in Violet, La. in St. Bernard Parish.

Mable B. Mangano, who is listed as both an owner and administrator and Salvador A. Mangano, Sr., listed as a co-owner, were arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison as fugitives. Mable Mangano and Salvador Mangano, Sr., are each charged with 34 counts of negligent homicide.

The charges stem from Mable Mangano and Salvador Mangano, Sr.’s, alleged failure to evacuate St. Rita’s Nursing Home, contrary to the facility’s own evacuation plan and in violation of the St. Bernard Parish’s mandatory evacuation. Additionally, subsequent to the mandatory evacuation order, authorities offered to send two buses and drivers to evacuate residents from the facility and the Mangano’s allegedly declined this offer.

An estimated 34 nursing home residents drowned in the rising floodwaters that engulfed the residential care facility. Since the victims have not been positively identified at this time, no information is being released to the families.

“My investigation found enough reason to place these individuals under arrest. I think in times of tragedy we have to act immediately to correct a wrong and we did that in this case. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of these 34 victims tonight,” stated Attorney General Foti.

“I also want to remind everyone that although these individuals have been charged, they should be considered innocent until proven guilty by a court of law,” Foti added.