DATE/TIME: June 1, 2024 /6:03 p.m.
INCIDENT: PC 273A(A) – Child Abuse
LOCATION: 39000 Block of North Shore Drive, Fawnskin, CA
SUSPECT(S): Marinda Montanez, 44-years-old, Resident of Fawnskin, CA
VICTIM(S): Confidential – 8-year-old Female Juvenile
SUMMARY: On Friday evening, May 31, 2024, deputies responded to a welfare check at a short-term rental home in Big Bear City. Marinda Montanez left her three children alone for five hours. An incident report was taken to document the situation and forwarded it to Child and Family Services.
On June 1, 2024, deputies were called to Montanez's home in Fawnskin regarding approximately 50 dogs in cages that were left uncared for in the heat without food and water. Montanez claimed she was the caretaker for the dogs. San Bernardino County Animal Control took possession of most of the dogs. Montanez was arrested and released on a citation for animal cruelty.
Later that evening, deputies were called to the home in the 39000 block of North Shore Drive, in Fawnskin, to investigate the neglect of Montanez’ 8-year-old daughter. Doctors from Bear Valley Community Hospital treated the child's neglected wounds and released her from care.
Investigators later discovered that Montanez left the children alone on May 31st to smoke cocaine in Victorville. The three children were removed from Montanez's care and placed with Children & Family Services. Montanez was arrested for child abuse/neglect and booked at Big Bear Jail. Montanez is currently in custody at the West Valley Detention Center with a bail amount of $100,000, awaiting court arraignment on June 4, 2024.
If you have any additional information related to this investigation, please contact Detective Casillas at (909) 866-0105. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com
Refer: Detective Casillas
Station: Big Bear
Phone No. 909-866-0105
Case No. DR#062400402
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
