A letter was recently sent to LARC Ranch alleging the organization has tried to “cover up” issues with bedbugs and staffing, and the nonprofit organization has responded to the claims.

According to LARC Ranch’s website, the organization strives to accomplish one goal: “To help developmentally disabled people thrive.”

LARC Ranch was founded in 1959 and provides homes, recreation, social activities, physical fitness, day training, workplace training and more to its residents.

“We have a bedbug problem,” said LARC Ranch Executive Director Kathy Sturkey. “We are following what is called a bedbug protocol. We are doing everything necessary under the protocol to eradicate the bedbugs.”

LARC Ranch houses over 90 developmentally disabled residents in 13 homes. The letter alleges that the organization has had an infestation of bedbugs in all residences for the past year and a half.

Sturkey disputed the claim, saying the organization has been fighting the issue for the past four months and the bedbugs are not in 13 homes, but every house is being sprayed as a precaution.

“A problem like this can spread if (residents) have it on their body. (Bedbugs) transport on clothing, purses, shoes; it can be a problem,” said Sturkey. “We are doing everything necessary. We are reporting to all agencies necessary. This is not a cover up.”

The letter also alleges the nonprofit organization is “seriously understaffed in all departments” and a client was lost for multiple days before being found over 30 miles away from the original site.

LARC Ranch is covered by Title 17 and 22 regulations, which tells the organization how they must staff their programs, said Sturkey.

The client in question walked away from a group at Knott’s Berry Farm and was found walking towards Huntington Beach, said Sturkey. The client went missing at 8 p.m. and was found at 10 a.m. the next morning; a total of 14 hours.

“Community Care Licensing and Regional Center come on announced and unannounced visits to see how we’re doing,” Sturkey said. “They check personnel files, staffing, homes and do thorough investigations into the complaints. (The inspections also ensure that) houses are cleaned and stocked.”

The letter also alleges the offices of the LARC Ranch directors conflict with fire code and health department code.

“It is a working office. We are answering to the health department and the fire department,” said Sturkey. “We pass all inspections. Inspections (are done on) unannounced and announced (visits).”

The letter also questioned how LARC Ranch allocated funds, however Sturkey said “there has been no inappropriate use of funds.”

Sturkey went on to say that she will be turning the letter into all agencies, because “we have nothing to hide.”