A Fawnskin resident, Marinda Montanez, was cited for animal cruelty and subsequently arrested for child abuse, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department. On May 31, Montanez reportedly left her children unattended for several hours and was later found to be hoarding approximately 50 dogs in inhumane conditions on June 1. San Bernardino County Sheriff said the animals were discovered in cages, lacking food and water, and exposed to the heat.
Montanez, who claimed to be the caretaker of these dogs, was taken into custody after Animal Control intervened and seized most of the animals. She was released on a citation soon after. On the same day, deputies investigated a claim of child neglect at her property in the 39000 block of North Shore Drive in Fawnskin, which resulted in the discovery of Montanez’s eight-year-old daughter with untreated injuries. She received treatment at Bear Valley Community Hospital.
Further investigation revealed distressing insights into Montanez's absence on the night of May 31, as she was reportedly indulging in narcotics use—specifically cocaine—away in Victorville. This resulted in her three children being placed in the care of Child & Family Services. Montanez currently faces charges of child abuse and neglect and is held at the West Valley Detention Center with bail set at $100,000 pending court arraignment.
The Big Bear community is now dealing with the unsettling reality of these allegations as Montanez awaits her June 4 court date. Detective Casillas is urging anyone with further information relating to the case to come forward by contacting (909) 866-0105 or to make an anonymous tip through We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME or their website. The case number, for reference, is DR#062400402.
