Approximately a year ago, Silverado CEO Shook was enjoying a ski trip in Wyoming, his first real break in years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, when he received shocking news. The District Attorney had charged Silverado with 18 felony counts, a surreal and disturbing development for Shook and the company’s leadership.
Last year brought legal challenges for Shook, along with company leaders Jason Russo and Kim Butrum, as they faced charges related to a Covid-19 outbreak in 2020 that resulted in 14 tragic deaths. The case drew attention to the actions of Silverado leaders and employees during the early stages of the pandemic, with implications for similar companies navigating similar challenges in 2020.
After a judge dismissed the charges against Silverado and its leaders, Gascón’s office sought to appeal the decision. Despite the ongoing legal battle, Shook and Silverado remain confident and optimistic about the future.
However, the road to vindication was paved with hard work and dedication. Dealing with the complexities of a criminal case was a new and daunting experience for Shook, who chose to focus on Silverado’s commitment to caring for employees and residents, rather than dwelling on anger or denial.
Shook emphasized that facing uncertainty with love, rather than fear, was crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by the legal ordeal. With a foundation of love guiding their actions, Shook and Silverado persisted through the legal scrutiny, demonstrating their dedication to providing quality care and support to their community.
Based in Irvine, California, Silverado operates 27 communities across 10 states, offering specialized memory care services.
Nine Months of Legal Scrutiny
The legal battle launched a nine-month period of intense scrutiny, during which Shook and Silverado’s legal team meticulously gathered evidence to establish their innocence. Delving into detailed documentation, including medical records and employee time cards, the team worked tirelessly to defend their actions.
It became evident early on that the charges against Silverado were based on a misunderstanding of the evolving public health guidelines surrounding Covid-19 in early 2020. The company’s proactive measures to protect residents and employees, including enacting stringent Covid-19 policies and supporting their team during the crisis, ultimately led to the dismissal of the charges.
Despite the legal victory, Shook and Silverado still face the pending appeal. However, Shook remains confident in the company’s position, knowing that they have acted with integrity and commitment throughout the ordeal.
Reflecting on the challenging legal battle, Shook sees it as a testament to the resilience and dedication of Silverado’s team, reinforcing their belief that justice will prevail in the end.
