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Woman stole wreaths from cemetery to decorate her home

Pamela GolarzSaco Police Department

ALFRED, Maine — A Maine woman has pleaded guilty to stealing Christmas wreaths and arrangements from grave sites in a Saco cemetery to decorate her own properties during the holidays.

Saco police announced that 56-year-old Pamela Golarz, of Old Orchard Beach, was fined $950 after pleading guilty to theft in York County Superior Court.

A charge of falsifying physical evidence was dismissed, and if Golarz does not commit any crimes in the next year, the charge of theft by unauthorized taking or transfer will also be dismissed.

Police say Golarz stole 15 holiday wreaths and arrangements worth a combined $800 from Laurel Hill Cemetery in November and December.

Investigators were led to Golarz by video from a hidden camera installed by someone whose loved one’s grave had been victimized. A tip led to her arrest.