Records: Woman charged after bedridden patients found in home with no fire safety protections

PANORAMA VILLAGE, Texas (KTRK) -- A woman is facing criminal charges after authorities say she operated an unlicensed assisted living facility in Montgomery County where bedridden residents were living without required fire safety protections.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Woman charged with operating unlicensed assisted living facility in Panorama Village, police department says

According to court records, investigators searched a home on Ivy Court in Panorama Village. Police told ABC13 that relatives raised concerns about the welfare of residents living there. The Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office assisted and conducted an inspection.

Authorities found multiple patients inside the home, including at least two who could not walk and were confined to hospital beds. Investigators determined the facility was operating without a state license and lacked required fire safety systems, including automatic fire sprinklers and a fire alarm system.

All of the residents were relocated with the help of Adult Protective Services, which also opened its own investigation, the agency confirmed.

Jennifer Yvonne Rios, 60, who also uses the name Jennifer O'Neal, was later arrested and charged with operating an assisted living facility without a license.

Court records indicate Rios had previously been warned about operating an unlicensed facility. Recently, Panorama Village police advised her she was operating without a license, and in 2021, authorities found four patients living at another home outside Conroe that allegedly lacked required state permits and fire code compliance, court records state.

Investigators believe Rios operated facilities under the name "Seventh (7) Heaven" in Panorama Village, Conroe, and Cut and Shoot.

The Panorama Village Police Department is asking former residents, employees, caregivers, family members, vendors and anyone else with knowledge of the facilities or their operation to come forward.

Rios, who is out of jail on bond, did not respond to a request for comment. An eviction notice hangs on the front door of the home.

Police said a criminal investigation is ongoing.