ARCADIA, California—Authorities have taken custody of 21 children as investigators examine allegations that a Southern California couple operated a surrogacy scheme that misled women across the United States while a separate child abuse investigation uncovered evidence of alleged mistreatment inside the family's home.
The children, ranging in age from about 2 months to 13 years, were placed in the custody of Los Angeles County's child welfare agency after investigators removed 15 children from the couple's Arcadia residence and located six others living at separate properties, according to the Arcadia Police Department. Most of the children are between 1 and 3 years old.
Police said the investigation began after a hospital reported that a 2-month-old infant had suffered a traumatic head injury. Authorities allege the injuries were inflicted by a nanny who was captured on home surveillance footage violently shaking the child. Investigators said the infant was not taken to a hospital until two days after the injuries occurred.
Arcadia police identified the couple under investigation as Silvia Zhang, 38, and Guojun Xuan, 65, who authorities say are the legal parents of all 21 children. Police said they were arrested in May on suspicion of felony child endangerment and later released while the investigation continued. An arrest warrant has also been issued for the nanny identified by investigators as the primary suspect in the alleged abuse.
Lt. Kollin Cieadlo of the Arcadia Police Department said investigators believe one or two of the children were born biologically to Zhang, while several women have since contacted authorities claiming they served as surrogate mothers for other children. Police said detectives are working to determine how many births resulted from surrogacy arrangements and whether any women were deceived during the process.
Authorities said the Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting with aspects of the inquiry. Arcadia police said the investigation has expanded beyond the initial abuse allegations to examine the surrogacy operation and whether any criminal violations occurred in the recruitment of surrogate mothers or the handling of the children. Officials have not announced human trafficking or surrogacy-related criminal charges, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Police have not disclosed where the children are being housed, citing their privacy and safety. Officials said the welfare of the children remains the priority while investigators continue interviewing witnesses, reviewing records and coordinating with child protection authorities.
