SANTA BARBARA, CA – A 71-year-old former registered nurse faces nearly 80 felony counts after authorities uncovered an alleged scheme involving elder abuse, massive theft, and tax fraud through her unlicensed healthcare business.
Unlicensed Business and Major Theft
Rosanne Marquis was officially charged on Tuesday, June 9, following an extensive multi-agency investigation. According to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, Marquis operated an unlicensed in-home care business called Rosanne Marquis HomeCare Service.
Court records reveal that Marquis is accused of stealing from elderly dependent adults, including a local veteran. While the exact total has not been publicly detailed by prosecutors, court documents indicate the stolen funds exceed $100,000.
Tax Fraud and Wage Violations
In addition to elder abuse and theft, the 77-felony indictment includes severe financial crimes. Investigators state that Marquis failed to:
- File accurate tax returns for her healthcare business.
- Make required deductions and payments to the California Employment Development Department (EDD) on behalf of her employees over a period of several years.
A Prominent Local Career
Before launching her private home care service, Marquis was a well-known figure in the local medical community. She previously worked as a trauma nurse coordinator at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
Furthermore, she held prominent community roles, serving on the boards of the Council of Alcohol and Drug Abuse and the Alzheimer’s Women’s Initiative.
Current Legal Status
Marquis was initially arrested in April and remains out of custody after posting bail.
The comprehensive case was built through a joint effort by the Santa Barbara District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and the California EDD.
