Owner of Illegal Care Home Arrested after Officials find up to 10 Residents Unattended and Living in Unsafe Conditions

NEW CANEY, TX -- On August 14th, 2025, MCFMO Deputy Fire Marshals responded to a complaint of unsafe living conditions at an unlicensed group care home in the 21600 block of Punkin Street in New Caney, Texas. Upon their arrival they found 10 residents were living in the home, with 4 of them housed in the home’s converted garage.

The residents varied in mobility and disabilities, with several requiring the assistance of walkers, wheelchairs, or canes. There were no caregivers or staff at the home. Officers contacted the property owner, identified as Ms. Princella Walker, and she responded to the location. Once she arrived, she was advised that under current state law, that she was only permitted to house up to three residents in an unlicensed home and that her group care home operation did not comply with the adopted Montgomery County Fire Code.

Officials with Texas Adult Protective Services responded to the scene and confirmed that the home was unlicensed and in violation. APS began working with Ms. Walker to relocate the residents to licensed facilities where they could receive proper care. Ms. Walker was issued a Fire Marshal’s Order requiring that she comply with the Montgomery County Fire Code and State Law before resuming operation of a group care home at the residence. Ms. Walker signed the inspection report and acknowledged the receipt of the Fire Marshal’s Order.

A follow up inspection on August 25, 2025, revealed that Ms. Walker had resumed operations and was housing 7 residents in the home, again with no staff or caregivers on site, in a building that does not meet the fire and life safety requirements in both State Law and the County Fire Code.

A report was filed with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and a warrant was issued for Princella Walker. Violation of a County Fire Marshal Order is a Class B Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in county jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.

With our aging population and proximity to the Houston Metroplex, Montgomery County has seen an increase in the number of illegal group care homes in recent years, with many leaving vulnerable residents with limited or no care, in unsafe living conditions. The MCFMO is committed to working with our State and local partners to protect our senior and disabled citizens from those who would seek to take advantage of them.