Arcadia couple facing child abuse conspiracy charges seek bail review

A bail review hearing has been delayed for Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang, an Arcadia couple facing charges of conspiracy to commit child abuse and witness intimidation. The case involves allegations that children born through the couple's surrogacy company were mistreated by nannies at their residence. Prosecutors have described the home as a “house of horrors,” alleging that video recordings show nannies using physical violence, including strikes with sticks and shoes, as punishment.

Both defendants have pleaded not guilty. Xuan faces charges including conspiracy, child abuse, accessory after the fact, and dissuading witnesses, while Zhang faces similar charges. While prosecutors initially requested $100 million in bail each, citing Xuan's significant financial resources, a judge set bail at $20 million per person.

Defense attorney Mitchell Krems has argued that the couple is being unfairly targeted due to their Chinese heritage and the size of their family. He also noted that Xuan is currently recovering from a bone marrow transplant for leukemia. The couple is scheduled to appear at a Pasadena courthouse this Friday to seek release.