On May 20, 2025, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney filed 10 misdemeanor counts against former employee Janet Marie Brown for allegedly falsifying medical records with fraudulent intent. Brown, a former psychiatric technician at the San Luis Obispo County Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) , now faces criminal charges for allegedly altering medical records after 19-year-old patient Elina Branco died under the unit’s care. 
Incident Summary
On the night of May 15, 2024, Branco was admitted to the San Luis Obispo County Crisis Stabilization Unit, — a mental health facility intended to provide short-term care and supervision for individuals experiencing psychiatric crises. According to the criminal complaint referenced in news reports, Brown allegedly made multiple medical record entries indicating that Branco was routinely checked on throughout the night even though no physical checks occurred.
Medical records logged identical entries at 11:30 p.m. on May 15 and at 1:30 a.m., 3:30 a.m., and 5:30 a.m. the next morning, stating that Branco was “engaged in therapeutic rest without incident” and breathing normally. However, the coroner estimated that Branco died between 10 p.m. and midnight the night she was admitted. By the time staff actually observed her between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. on May 16, she was already deceased and exhibiting livor mortis, an indication of death occurring hours earlier.
Criminal Charges & Allegations
The charges stem from at least five separate allegedly falsified entries in Branco’s record. Prosecutors allege the record alterations violated California Penal Code § 471.5, which makes it unlawful to alter, deface, or falsify medical records with intent to defraud.
Although the County’s District Attorney clarified in related media coverage that the charges are tied to inaccurate records — not a direct causal determination regarding Branco’s death — the allegations highlight potentially deadly gaps in supervision and documentation at the facility.
If convicted on all counts, Brown could face up to three years in county jail and professional consequences related to her license.
Facility Operations & Closure
San Luis Obispo County contracted management of the CSU to Sierra Mental Wellness Group, which has declined to publicly discuss the allegations.
The Crisis Stabilization Unit was originally opened after the deaths of several mentally ill individuals in county custody, including Andrew Holland, whose 2017 death in the county jail drew statewide scrutiny and reforms.
Following Branco’s death and the ensuing controversy, the CSU closed shortly thereafter, with county officials citing a lack of use and questions about its operations.
Legal Liability & Standards of Care
This case underscores several legal and regulatory concepts relevant to nursing home and facility care neglect claims in California:
Duty to Monitor and Document
Medical and psychiatric care facilities — whether operated by government entities or private contractors — have a legal duty to provide appropriate supervision and to accurately document patient condition and care. Falsifying records can violate criminal statutes and, in civil contexts, support claims for professional negligence or negligent supervision.
Civil Wrongful Death Claims
Families of individuals who die due to alleged negligence in care facilities may file wrongful death lawsuits seeking damages for loss of life, emotional suffering, and related harm. A related wrongful death action in this matter was filed in federal court before the criminal indictment.
Contractual and Licensing Consequences
Employees who are licensed professionals (e.g., psychiatric technicians) may face licensing sanctions or disciplinary action by state regulatory boards if found guilty of falsifying records or breaching standards of care.
What Families Should Know
If a loved one has been harmed or died in a care facility under circumstances involving negligent monitoring or documentation:
- Preserve Records: Demand copies of all medical/nursing records and any incident reports.
- Request Official Findings: Pursue autopsy and coroner reports and any administrative investigations.
- Consult Legal Counsel: An experienced attorney can evaluate claims related to negligence, wrongful death, or statutory violations.
- Understand Statutory Rights: California law provides multiple avenues for accountability including criminal charges, civil claims, and professional sanctions.
If you or a loved one has been affected by neglect or questionable care practices in a mental health facility or long-term care setting such as this incident involving Janet Marie Brown, contact The Sehat Law Firm at (949) 825-5200 for a free consultation, or complete the form at the bottom of this page to discuss your case with our legal team.
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal or medical advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary, and any referenced here may not apply to your situation. This article was created from secondary sources and may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.
