A former caregiver at a Shoreline assisted living facility faces serious charges after being accused of raping two Alzheimer's patients under his care. According to court documents obtained by KOMO News, Romulo Ramos de Guzman is charged with two counts of second-degree rape with the victims identified only by initials due to privacy concerns and their vulnerable state.
After nearly a year and a half since the alleged incidents, the suspect re-entered U.S. territory in February 2024 it was then that Customs and Border Patrol agents tipped off detectives who began surveillance; tailing De Guzman and eventually swiped a cigarette butt he discarded, which was then matched to the DNA profile from the crime scene, as reported by KING 5 News.
The charges have brought to light the grave vulnerability of Alzheimer's patients in caregiving settings, raising concerns about the safety measures in place to protect those who are unable to protect themselves. Both victims are described as having "significant cognitive impairment," a condition that makes them particularly susceptible to abuse.
In light of the accusations and the potential flight risk posed by De Guzman, who had previously left the country for almost a year and avoided police interviews, prosecutors have requested bail be set at $350,000, as mentioned in court documents; if he posts bail, De Guzman will be required to surrender his passport and he has also been ordered not to have contact with either of the alleged victims, as outlined by KING 5 News.
