The Joshua Tree couple who was arrested September 18 after their two dependent adult sons were found living in filthy conditions accepted a plea
bargain last week. Last Tuesday, September 18, Sheriff’s deputies were following up on a tip in the 4700 block of Avenida del Sol in Joshua Tree.
Deputies found Edward and Melinda Zeppenfeldt, along with their two adult, dependent sons, 24 and 25 years old, who have Asperberger’s and autism, living in a house filled with trash, rat feces, and in unsafe conditions. Edward Zeppenfeldt, 55, and Melinda Zeppenfeldt, 48, agreed to plead guilty to one misdemeanor count of causing or permitting injury to a dependent adult and were sentenced to 2 days in jail with credit for two days served, 36 months’ probation, and $25 in court costs.
Updated: 2:10 p.m.
The district attorney’s office has not returned a phone call or an email asking for information about the adult sons.
The public defender’s receptionist refused to put a call through to the lawyer, saying the information was confidential due to “attorney-client privilege,” without even hearing what information was being requested.
Updated 1:30 p.m. 10-1-18 with information from the District Attorney’s office:
Neglect cases where parents or caregivers to dependent adults neglect the ones they are caring for can be charged as felonies or misdemeanors. If a child or dependent adult is placed in circumstances where serious bodily injury occurred or is likely to occur, we’d generally seek felony charges. Where there is evidence of neglect, but no substantial risk of serious injury, we’d generally seek misdemeanors. Misdemeanors charged under Penal Code section 368(b)(1) carry a maximum of 1 year county jail.
Second, the decision to seek jail time versus probation: If a defendant charged with neglect has prior convictions for similar conduct or has been unsuccessful on probation for similar conduct, we would likely seek jail time. However, if a defendant has no prior arrests or convictions, we would likely seek probation. A probation resolution allows our office and the Court to maintain oversight. Through probation terms we can direct defendants to comply with Child & Family Services; Department of Aging and Adult Services, In-Home Supportive Services, etc. and maintain proper oversight, while helping families receive access to resources.
Above all, our office policy is to protect victims. In cases like this, we are using the criminal prosecution process to help the victims and their families receive access to resources they need.
Lastly, with regards to the Zeppenfeldt case specifically: Our office is working with the Department of Aging and Adult Services and other County agencies to help this family receive the proper resources.
