March 6, 2020 – On February 27th, 2020 the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office was contacted regarding a sexual abuse of a 94 year dependent adult female. The reported abuse had taken place at Banner Crest Care Home in the 12000 block of Cascade Way in Nevada City. After the initial information was collected, the investigation was assumed by detectives with the Major Crimes Unit. During the investigation the suspect was identified as 79-year-old Joseph Linhares, an owner of the care home. Linhares was ultimately arrested and booked into the Nevada County Jail in Nevada City on charges 288(c)(2) PC (lewd and lascivious acts with a dependent adult).
As a result of the investigation the Community Care Licensing Division at the State of California Department of Social Services was notified. They, in turn, suspended the license for Banner Crest Care Home. Anyone with additional information is requested to contact the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (530)265-1263.