Southern California Couple Arrested in Child Abuse Investigation

News Summary

A Southern California couple, Silvia Zhang and Guojun Xuan, faces a child abuse investigation involving 21 children, including a hospitalized infant. The authorities removed 15 children from their home and are also looking into allegations of unethical surrogacy practices related to their real estate business. Multiple lawsuits have been filed by former employees, highlighting a chaotic and abusive work environment. The investigation, which involves the FBI and local child services, continues as the couple denies the allegations and seeks to clear their names.

Southern California Couple Arrested in Child Abuse and Surrogacy Investigation

Arcadia, California — Silvia Zhang, 38, and Guojun Xuan, 65, are currently at the center of a child abuse investigation involving the alleged mistreatment of 21 young children, according to law enforcement officials. The investigation, which began after a 2-month-old baby was hospitalized with traumatic head injuries, has raised serious concerns about the couple’s conduct and possible illegal activities related to surrogacy.

Details of the Investigation and Child Welfare Concerns

The police confirmed that during the course of their investigation, 15 children were removed from Zhang and Xuan’s residence in Arcadia. The children range in age from as young as 2 months to as old as 13 years, with most aged between 1 and 3 years. Authorities have indicated that some of these children were born through surrogacy, although specific numbers have not been disclosed publicly.

The initial concern emerged when emergency services responded to a report involving a 2-month-old baby suffering head trauma. The subsequent investigation uncovered video evidence showing that some children had been subjected to physical and emotional abuse, allegedly performed by nannies working for the couple. A warrant has been issued for Chunmei Li, 56, a nanny recorded on camera abusing the infant, including episodes of physical assault.

Legal Actions and Arrests

On May 9, authorities arrested Zhang and Xuan on charges of felony child endangerment and neglect. However, both were released shortly afterward as investigations are ongoing. The police are working in partnership with the FBI and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services to further probe the allegations and explore whether a surrogacy scheme was involved.

Additional Children and Family Dynamics

Aside from the 15 children removed from the couple’s home, six other children, believed to be Zhang and Xuan’s biological or surrogate-born offspring, were found in the care of family members and friends. Key details about how many of these children were born via surrogacy remain undisclosed, as officials continue their investigations into the couple’s practices.

Allegations of Unethical Business and Employee Abuse

Investigators have also uncovered evidence suggesting that Zhang and Xuan operated their real estate enterprise, Yudao Investments, and related surrogacy activities in an unethical manner. Former employees have filed lawsuits describing poor working conditions, including delayed payments, lack of breaks, and unsafe work environments. A former assistant reported witnessing frequent violent arguments between Zhang and Xuan, who also allegedly engaged in aggressive behavior.

Another former employee, Alejandro Diaz, has filed a lawsuit claiming wrongful termination and battery, with allegations that Xuan threatened him with a toy gun during a workplace dispute. Diaz settled his lawsuit under confidentiality clauses, but he characterized the work environment as chaotic and dysfunctional.

Surrogacy and Child Placement Issues

The couple was associated with Mark Surrogacy Investment LLC, a surrogacy agency linked to their activities, which has now been terminated. Several women who served as surrogates for Zhang and Xuan reported being misled about the nature of the arrangements or the fate of their children. One such surrogate, Kayla Elliott, who delivered a child for the couple, was unaware of the existence of other children and is now seeking custody of her child, who is currently in foster care.

Ongoing Investigations and Public Response

The authorities continue to investigate potential violations related to illegal surrogacy practices, abuse, and neglect. They have expressed concern about the welfare of the children involved and are working to determine the full scope of the couple’s activities. Zhang has publicly denied the allegations, asserting her intention to clear her name through the ongoing investigation.

This case highlights issues surrounding surrogacy laws, the importance of child protection, and workplace safety, prompting ongoing scrutiny from law enforcement and child advocacy groups. As investigations develop, further details about the case are expected to emerge, clarifying the extent of the couple’s alleged misconduct.

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Additional Resources

• USA Today: Southern California Couple Under Investigation for Child Abuse
• Los Angeles Times: Arcadia Children Removed in Surrogacy Investigation
• Fox 26 Houston: California Couple Investigated for Child Abuse
• Google Search: Surrogacy California investigation
• AP News: Arcadia Children Removed from Surrogacy Investigation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Surrogacy