San Marcos, December 12, 2025
The owner of a now-closed pet cremation business in San Marcos faces felony grand theft charges for allegedly defrauding customers by failing to deliver services and issuing refunds. Christopher Settle, 39, is accused of accepting payments for cremation services that were not rendered, leading to a loss of $4,700 for 20 customers. After ceasing operations, authorities discovered 4,000 pounds of decomposed animal remains on the property. Settle, who pleaded not guilty, is under a stay-away order from the business location and prohibited from performing cremation services without a valid license.
San Diego County District Attorney Charges San Marcos Pet Cremation Business Owner with Fraud
San Diego, CA – The owner of a now-closed pet cremation business in San Marcos has been charged with felony grand theft for allegedly defrauding customers by failing to provide paid services and not issuing refunds. Christopher Settle, 39, was arraigned in San Diego Superior Court on December 10, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is free on bond under conditions that include a stay-away order from the former business location and a prohibition against performing cremation services without a valid license.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
Settle operated Angel Paws Pet Cremation, which abruptly ceased operations in the summer of 2025. During this period, the business continued to accept payments for cremation services that were not rendered. Between July and September 2025, 20 customers reported not receiving refunds for services that were not completed, amounting to a combined loss of $4,700. Additionally, some pet owners received ashes that were not their pets’, while others did not receive any ashes or remains at all. In November 2025, after Settle was evicted, approximately 4,000 pounds of decomposed animal remains were discovered on the property. The gas and electricity to the building had been shut off due to non-payment, and Settle’s permit to operate the cremation equipment had expired in March 2024. Despite these issues, he continued to accept payments for services he could not provide.
Background on the Charges
The San Diego County District Attorney’s Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Division initiated the case after receiving multiple complaints from affected pet owners. The charges were elevated to felony grand theft due to the total monetary loss exceeding $950. Settle is scheduled to appear in court for a readiness conference on December 18, 2025, and a preliminary examination on December 22, 2025. The District Attorney’s Office underscored its commitment to holding individuals accountable for exploiting consumers and undermining trust in service providers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges has Christopher Settle faced?
Christopher Settle has been charged with felony grand theft for allegedly defrauding customers by failing to provide paid cremation services and not issuing refunds.
How many customers were affected by the alleged fraud?
Between July and September 2025, 20 customers reported not receiving refunds for services that were not completed, totaling a combined loss of $4,700.
What was discovered on the property after Settle’s eviction?
Approximately 4,000 pounds of decomposed animal remains were found on the property after Settle’s eviction in November 2025.
What is the status of Settle’s business operations?
Angel Paws Pet Cremation ceased operations in the summer of 2025, and Settle’s permit to operate the cremation equipment expired in March 2024.
When are Settle’s upcoming court appearances?
Settle is scheduled for a readiness conference on December 18, 2025, and a preliminary examination on December 22, 2025.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Christopher Settle, 39 |
| Business Name | Angel Paws Pet Cremation |
| Location | San Marcos, CA |
| Charges | Felony grand theft |
| Number of Affected Customers | 20 |
| Total Monetary Loss | $4,700 |
| Decomposed Animal Remains Discovered | Approximately 4,000 pounds |
| Permit Expiration | March 2024 |
| Upcoming Court Dates | Readiness conference on December 18, 2025; preliminary examination on December 22, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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