Briefly In Public Safety

Former Hotel Laguna employee pleads guilty in grand theft

Cydney Ann Ruano, the former comptroller and accountant for the Hotel Laguna has pleaded guilty to grand theft charges after stealing more than $100,000 from the hotel.

Ruano, 51, was convicted March 18 of grand theft with an enhancement for stealing an amount in excess of $65,000.

She will be sentenced by the court May 6. Her sentence can range from probation to four years in a state prison. The hotel will seek restitution upward of $200,000.

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Presidential candidate receives e-mail threat

Local presidential candidate Fred Karger reported that he received a threatening e-mail at 11:28 p.m. Saturday.

Karger is the first openly gay candidate to run for office.

The incident is under investigation.

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Woman reports alleged near-kidnapping

A woman reported that a man tried to kidnap her in the 700 block of Laguna Canyon Road at 6:55 p.m. April 14.

She told police that the man offered to give her a ride and grabbed her arm. She ran away. No report was taken, and the call was deemed unfounded.

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Suspicious van seen combing Third Ave.

A resident reported seeing a suspicious vehicle attempting to get into homes on Third Avenue and South Coast Highway at 6:47 p.m. April 15.

The reporting person saw a male subject driving a van that said “ATT PHONE BOOK DELIVERY” along the side. His female passenger would exit the vehicle and attempt to open garage doors with a clicker she had.

They reported it had the license plate 8L83931.

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Man threatens another over wallet

A person reported a man stealing his wallet and threatening him in the 1000 block of South Coast Highway at 10:14 p.m. April 15.

The man reportedly said “Give me your wallet or I will kill you.”

The suspect, Robert Wixom of San Jacinto, was arrested for public intoxication and an outstanding warrant.

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Domestic fight ends in woman’s arrest

A woman reported that she was having an aggressive altercation with her boyfriend in the 200 block of Cypress at 3:04 a.m. Sunday. She said he had a gun in the house.

When authorities arrived they found the woman to be the aggressor in the fight due to physical injuries on the boyfriend.

The couple were intoxicated, and they live together.

The woman was arrested for domestic battery.

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Mother arrested after family fight

A family fight ended in an arrest in the 500 block of Anita Street at 10:14 p.m. Tuesday after the mother left the home intoxicated in her vehicle.

The mother had originally phoned police because she said her son was threatening to kill her and her boyfriend.

Upon talking with the son, he clarified that he had said, “You’re killing me,” and was referring to his mother who he believes has an addiction to alcohol.

The mother left the home, threatening suicide. She was arrested on suspicion of a DUI and for child endangerment. If convicted, it will be her second DUI. Her bail was set at $100,000.

— Joanna Clay