| For Immediate Release March 7, 2007 |
Contact:
Susan Kang Schroeder |
MOTHER OF METHAMPHETAMINE ADDICTED
BABY GIRL SENTENCED FOR
STEALING NEIGHBOR’S IDENTITY
SANTA ANA – A methamphetamine addict was sentenced today for stealing her neighbor’s identity and using it to obtain credit cards, new cars, and medical services. Blanca Estrela Arellano, 28, Lake Forest, was convicted on February 21, 2007 of felony child abuse, and felony identity theft with an enhancement for aggravated white collar crime over $100,000. She was sentenced today to four years in state prison and was ordered to pay $35,808 in restitution.
Between April 1, 2006 and June 4, 2006, Arellano used the identity of Jane Doe, a neighbor in her Lake Forest apartment complex, and used it to open credit cards, buy two new cars, and get Medicare and Medicaid health benefits. On June 4, 2006, Arellano gave birth to a baby girl, Jennifer B., at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo and listed Jane Doe’s name on the birth certificate.
The victim discovered the identity theft after the Orange County Social Services Agency (OCSSA) contacted her about the birth of the baby girl. OCSSA, who determined that Jane Doe was not the mother, began a child abuse investigation after hospital tests revealed that baby Jennifer tested positive for methamphetamine and was suffering from withdrawals. The baby was taken to Orangewood Children’s Foundation and was later released to the custody of the father.
Deputy District Attorney Marc Labreche of the Economic Crimes Unit prosecuted this case.
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