Recovery home operator pleads not guilty

NEWPORT BEACH — Morningside Recovery President Raymond Jeffrey Yates pleaded not guilty Friday to felony domestic battery charges.

Harbor Justice Center Judge Stephanie George ordered Yates, 44, of Newport Beach to not contact his ex-wife in person, through family or friends, or by using social media and other technology. An exception was made for visits to his children arranged through their grandparents.

Yates was arrested about 1 a.m. Dec. 4 after police responded to his home in the 1900 block of Commodore Road. Authorities confirmed a woman was taken to Hoag Hospital from the Dover Shores home.

Yates owns the embattled Newport-Beach based Morningside Recovery, which also has locations in Costa Mesa, and has fought with Newport Beach over operating in the city because of repeated zoning code violations.

Morningside sued the city, challenging its decision to revoke its agreement with the rehab group, said Morningside attorney Mary Helen Beatificato.

Yates faces one felony count of corporal battery on a spouse with a sentencing enhancement for the victim suffering great bodily injury, according to court records.

Authorities told the Daily Pilot on Tuesday alcohol was involved, but would not say who had been drinking.

He is expected to be in court for a pretrial hearing Jan. 13.

Yates did not return a phone call seeking comment about the matter.

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