An Old Orchard Beach woman has been ordered to pay a $950 fine for removing Christmas wreaths and arrangements from graves in a cemetery in Saco last holiday season.
Pamela Golarz, 56, pleaded guilty to theft last week in York County Superior Court, Saco police said on their Facebook page. A charge of falsifying physical evidence was dismissed by the court. If Golarz does not commit any crimes in the next year, a charge of theft by unauthorized taking or transfer will also be dismissed, Saco police said.
Police said Golarz stole 15 holiday wreaths and arrangements, valued at $800, from Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco over several days in late November and early December.
Police had no suspects until a victim provided a video of a theft, taken with a camera that had been hidden at the cemetery. The police department posted the video on its Facebook page and asked the public for help in identifying the woman, who drove up to the graves in a black Ford Explorer.
After receiving tips, police identified Golarz as a person of interest before arresting her on Dec. 12. Police said she used the wreaths to decorate her own properties. An investigation led to the recovery of several Christmas arrangements from three buildings she owned, at 9 Washington Ave., 28 Staples St. and 29 Staples St. in Old Orchard Beach.
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