Two-year sentence in elder abuse case

Zghoul was arrested after the victim was admitted to Kaiser Hospital in Redwood City April 7, 2016, the day a nurse checked on him at his home and found him lying in his own feces and urine. Diagnosed with stage 3 lymphoma, the man was living alone with no family members or friends nearby and was introduced to Zghoul so the 36-year-old could assist him with getting placed at a board and care facility, according to prosecutors.

On April 10, 2016, Zghoul is said to have tricked the victim into signing over the deed to his home as well as a power of attorney for finances by leading the man to believe he was consolidating his assets, according to prosecutors.

Zghoul recorded the deed and power of attorney at the San Mateo County Recorder’s Office the next day and claimed to have left a $150,000 check for the victim, but the victim denied ever receiving the money. The victim died April, 10, 2018, according to prosecutors.

Zghoul was allegedly crying throughout Friday’s sentencing hearing, and the judge allegedly said there is no reasonable explanation for what he did and expressed a hope Zghoul would use his time in jail to reflect on what he did, according to prosecutors.

District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said Zghoul deserves every minute of the time he will serve in custody given his inhumane behavior toward the victim.

“This is despicable, predatory conduct, to leave this 80-year-old man in that condition,” he said. “I can’t think of a more depraved disregard for another person.”

Zghoul’s defense attorney Majeed Samara said his client is very apologetic, feels horribly about what happened and accepts the judge’s sentence. Samara said Zghoul has family in the area who will make sure the victim’s estate is paid in full.

“The judge was very fair,” he said. “My client respects the judge’s sentence and he will comply with it. [He] and his family will make sure that this does not happen again.”

anna@smdailyjournal.com

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