A high-profile Bakersfield elder abuse case that drew national attention is moving one step closer to trial after a judge denied a request for Mental Health Diversion.
The case involving caregiver Julie Rothgeb gained widespread attention after videos at the center of the investigation generated more than 43 million views on TikTok.
Rothgeb is charged with assault and battery involving an elderly person. Investigators allege she repeatedly yelled at the victim and used weights on the victim’s wrists and ankles, forcing her to exercise for hours at a time…