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A California couple faces serious charges for abusing at least 14 children born to surrogates — some as young as 2 months old — in their multimillion-dollar Arcadia mansion, authorities say.
Guojun Xuan, 66, and Silvia Zhang, 39, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit child abuse. Xuan also faces one count of child abuse, one count of accessory after the fact and five counts of dissuading a witness. Zhang faces an additional count of accessory after the fact and four counts of dissuading a witness. Both have pleaded not guilty.
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“The number of children who were subjected to this horrific abuse is unprecedented,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
“The alleged physical abuse of these children is appalling and revolting, especially from those who were supposed to protect them.”
Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang appeared for arraignment Tuesday in Pasadena, Calif., on charges of abusing at least 14 children born to surrogates, some as young as 2 months old, at an Arcadia mansion where they lived. (Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
An investigation was launched in May 2025 when Zhang brought her 2-month-old baby to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles with head trauma and a severe brain hemorrhage, FOX affiliate 11 Los Angeles reported. Medical staff determined the infant had been violently shaken and hit by a nanny, Chunmei Li, according to the report.
Prosecutors allege that Zhang and Xuan delayed seeking medical attention for two days, only bringing the child to the hospital after he began having seizures. The couple allegedly falsely claimed the baby had fallen out of bed.
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Security footage recovered by police from the couple’s $10 million home revealed widespread systemic abuse against 14 children born to surrogates, ranging in age from 2 months to 13 years, with the majority aged 1 to 3 years old.
Six more children linked to the couple were later found in other homes, bringing the total number of children involved to 21.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman speaks at a press conference alongside Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. (KTTV)
Inside the mansion, prosecutors discovered three “learning centers” where toddlers were forced to sit at a desk for hours. Nannies inside the home were reportedly instructed to administer discipline aimed at avoiding leaving visible marks.
FOX 11 reported that prosecutors allege Xuan and Zhang actively monitored and ordered the nannies to subject the children to daily beatings using sticks hidden throughout the house. Children were also reportedly encouraged to deny being beaten.
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In one documented case, Xuan allegedly asked a nanny who was hitting a child to hit harder before joining in, delivering open-handed blows to the child’s head, slapping the child’s bare buttocks, and lifting him with one arm while continuing the assault. Another boy was forced to perform continuous squats or hold a “horse stance” position for hours as punishment.
The couple operated Future Spring Surrogacy out of their home, recruiting surrogate mothers and paying them tens of thousands of dollars to carry their children to term. Although one surrogate received $135,000, prosecutors noted that many were recruited under deceptive pretenses.
American flags fly in front of City Hall in Arcadia, California on May 13, 2026. During the search of the house, investigators found between $8 million and $9 million in alcohol. (Getty Images)
At least eight surrogates reported aggressive tactics and misrepresentations regarding the family’s living conditions.
Law enforcement found evidence of vast financial resources inside the home. Xuan allegedly kept more than 200 bank accounts, stacks of cash used to pay nannies and passports for several countries, including Mexico.
Authorities also discovered between $8 million and $9 million in alcohol stored inside the mansion.
Investigators are working to determine the biological and social parents of the 21 children involved. The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services took custody of the children to oversee their long-term medical care, psychological evaluation and legal placement.
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“This was not a home where these children were loved and raised,” DA Hochman said. “This was a home where these young children were systematically beaten and punished if they did not do as they were told. These alleged abusers will now face the full force of the law as we hold them accountable for their despicable actions.”
The discovery was made after a child was taken to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles for treatment. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong/File)
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Nanny Chunmei Li was charged with child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury or death; Authorities said she has since fled to China.
Beyond the child abuse allegations, law enforcement is investigating Xuan’s past, including his ties to a property previously linked to an illegal casino and a psilocybin mushroom farm.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Xuan and Zhang’s attorneys for comment. It remains unclear how long ago the alleged abuse occurred before May 2025.
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