The Davises, a couple in West Covina, received a $4 million settlement in 2009 related to an attack they experienced, but their financial situation deteriorated over the years. LaDonna, in her 70s, was caring for her husband, St. James, who required constant attention due to declining health. Longtime friends drifted away and the couple became more isolated. They met a man named Min Zaw Maw in 2017, who shared their passion for cars. Maw, an immigrant from Myanmar, quickly became a part of their lives, calling LaDonna “mommy” and involving himself in their affairs.
Maw’s financial troubles became apparent, as he had been evicted for failing to pay rent. He moved his equipment to the Davises’ property and started spending more time with them, claiming to help with their needs. Financial irregularities emerged when checks totaling over $340,000 were signed by LaDonna and made out to Maw and his wife. Reports of squatters and suspicious activities at the Davises’ properties led to concerns from friends, neighbors, and city officials. St. James passed away in 2018, and the situation continued to spiral out of control.
Concerns about financial abuse and neglect led to interventions by law enforcement, Adult Protective Services, and the court. LaDonna was found in nightmarish conditions at her home, with concerns about her safety and well-being raised by officials. Maw’s attempts to gain control over LaDonna’s finances and properties were met with legal challenges and investigations. Eventually, a conservatorship was established to safeguard LaDonna’s assets and provide her with proper care.
The legal battles over the Davises’ assets continued for several years, with Maw maintaining that he had spent his own money on LaDonna’s properties and belongings. A settlement was reached in 2022, granting Maw a portion of the assets in his possession and securing LaDonna’s remaining assets. Elder abuse experts highlighted the challenges in prosecuting such cases and the need for greater protections for vulnerable individuals. The case underscored the vulnerability of elderly individuals to financial exploitation and the complexities of legal and social interventions in such situations.
Maw, in a conversation with the author, portrayed himself as a well-meaning individual who tried to help the Davises but got caught up in a system he didn’t understand. The case highlighted the complexities of elder abuse, financial exploitation, and legal guardianship issues, shedding light on the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals and the need for stronger protections and oversight. The settlement reached in the case reflected the difficulties in proving financial abuse and the limitations of the legal system in addressing such complex cases.
