Sustain LAist today!

Your monthly gift during our June member drive powers our local newsroom.
1,535 sustainers of 2,500 goal
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

An Arrest Overdue: SoCal Woman Swiped 2,000 Library Books

shutterstock_librarybooks.jpg
Photo by zimmytws via Shutterstock

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.

Check it out: A 44-year-old Carlsbad woman was arrested this week after she was found in possession of over 2,000 books and DVDs taken from multiple San Diego County libraries.

Maria Natar's home was the subject of a search by local authorities, who are now sorting through the pilfered materials to determine to which branch each piece belongs. The items are valued at at least $5,000.

Natar is thought to be part of a "county-wide library book theft crime-ring," says NBC San Diego, who quip that the suspect's jail time is the "ultimate library fine."

Many of the books were on topics like animals, crafts and cooking. Authorities say Carlsbad library reps reported the missing items to the police after they noticed a "significant loss" of books between March and July of this year.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today