Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

Editor’s Note: Numerous attempts were made to speak with Sgt. Burgess and Detective St. Pierre of the Arcadia Police Investigations Unit regarding the following case, but my calls have gone unanswered:
 
ARCADIA - An estranged family member stole his mother’s ashes during her own funeral service, police said.
 
The incident occurred Sunday, November 25, at Holy Angels Church, 370 Campus Dr., at 10:21 a.m. The unnamed suspect, only described as an estranged brother, took the ashes and urn from the church, Arcadia Police said in a written statement.
 
The 65-year-old man, a resident of Cabazon, fled the church.
 
The suspect was outstanding as of the time the report was written on December 4.
 
In speaking with an Arcadia Police supervisor, the incident was possibly a civil matter. It is unclear if the estranged brother was arrested.

Written by AARON CASTREJON | CityWatch Editor

GLENDORA - Glendora Police detectives arrested two women on a slew of various charges September 14.
 
The women are now serving jail time for the charges they faced in court.
 
Maria Goretty Medrano, 26
Arrested 1700 block of South Barranca Avenue
Arrested on Suspicion of:

• Identity fraud
• False impersonation
• Misuse of 9-1-1
• Obstructing an officer
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Outside warrant

 
Valerie Jesus Valenzuela, 32
Arrested 1700 block of South Barranca Avenue
Arrested on Suspicion of:

• Willful cruelty to a child resulting in possible injury or death
• Receiving/concealing stolen property more than $950
• Selling a lost or stolen access card
• Identity fraud

 
Medrano and Valenzuela both appeared in court September 18 and pleaded no contest to the
misdemeanor charges they faced.
​
Valenzuela pleaded to one count of cruelty to child by endangering health and Medrano pleaded to one count of resisting, delaying or obstructing a public officer or peace officer, according to Ricardo Santiago of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
 
Valenzuela was sentenced to 60 days in jail, summary probation, community service and other court conditions. Medrano was sentenced to 120 days in jail, summary probation and other court conditions, Santiago said.
 
Maria Medrano pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of possession of methamphetamine September 20 in another case. She was sentenced to 60 days in jail and ordered to pay fines and restitution.