A California couple has been charged after prosecutors accused them of turning their Arcadia mansion into a private surrogacy compound where children were allegedly subjected to repeated physical abuse.
Guojun Xuan, 66, and Silvia Zhang, 39, were charged with conspiracy to commit child abuse, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Xuan is facing additional felony charges, including child abuse, while Zhang is also accused of being involved in the alleged abuse.
Prosecutors say 21 children were living at the residence, with 15 allegedly experiencing repeated physical abuse. Fourteen of the children were reportedly born through surrogacy arrangements.
The allegations came to light after authorities responded to a report involving a two-month-old baby who had suffered a head injury. Investigators subsequently examined the conditions inside the home and reviewed surveillance footage.
According to the criminal complaint, the couple had several nannies caring for the children and had converted rooms in the mansion into makeshift learning centers. The residence reportedly had about 32 motion-activated cameras that recorded activity in various parts of the property.
Prosecutors allege that footage recorded incidents of children being physically punished by nannies over several days in 2025. In one alleged incident, Xuan was accused of directing a nanny to use harsher punishment against a child.
Authorities also allege that the couple delayed seeking medical treatment for the injured infant and gave medical personnel an explanation that investigators later disputed.
The prosecution further claims that children were instructed not to tell police about the alleged mistreatment. Investigators also accused the couple of attempting to conceal evidence connected to the allegations.
The children have since been removed from the residence by state authorities.
A nanny identified as Chunmei Li has also been charged in connection with the case and remains wanted on an arrest warrant, according to prosecutors.
The couple had previously been investigated and arrested in connection with the allegations but were released without charges at the time. They have now been formally charged as authorities continue pursuing the case.
Prosecutors described the alleged number of children affected as highly unusual and said the case involved serious allegations of systematic mistreatment.
The allegations remain accusations, and the defendants are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.