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

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Photo by zimmytws via Shutterstock

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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.

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