San Marcos, California, December 12, 2025
Christopher Settle, the owner of the now-closed Angel Paws Pet Cremation in San Marcos, has pleaded not guilty to grand theft. He stands accused of defrauding customers by accepting payments for cremation services that were never fulfilled. The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office has received complaints from multiple pet owners who have not received refunds or their pets’ ashes. This situation arose after the business’s sudden closure amidst utility shut-offs and expired permits, leading to shocking discoveries of decomposed remains on the property.
VISTA, CA — Owner of Shuttered San Marcos Pet Crematorium Pleads Not Guilty to Grand Theft
VISTA, CA — Christopher Settle, 39, the owner of the now-closed Angel Paws Pet Cremation in San Marcos, pleaded not guilty to a felony count of grand theft on Wednesday. The charge stems from allegations that he defrauded customers by accepting payments for cremation services that were never performed.
The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office has charged Settle with grand theft after numerous complaints from pet owners who did not receive their pets’ ashes following the business’s abrupt closure in the summer. Prosecutors state that 20 victims have not received refunds for services that weren’t completed between July and September, amounting to a combined loss of $4,700.
Settle’s business ceased operations without warning after gas and electricity were shut off due to unpaid bills. Additionally, his permit from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District expired in March 2024. Despite these issues, Settle continued to accept payments for cremation services.
During a search of the property, authorities discovered approximately 4,000 pounds of decomposed animal remains, many of which were communally cremated. Some pet owners received ashes during the time Angel Paws was nonoperational, some received the wrong ashes, and others have not received ashes or their pet’s remains.
Settle is free on bond and is scheduled to appear in court for a readiness conference on December 18 and a preliminary exam on December 22.
Background
Angel Paws Pet Cremation was a pet cremation service located in San Marcos, California. The business abruptly closed in the summer of 2025, leading to numerous complaints from pet owners who had entrusted their pets’ remains to the service. Investigations revealed that Settle continued to accept payments for cremation services even after the business ceased operations, resulting in financial losses for customers and the discovery of decomposed animal remains on the property.
Key Details of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Christopher Settle, 39 |
| Business Name | Angel Paws Pet Cremation |
| Location | San Marcos, California |
| Charge | Felony grand theft |
| Number of Victims | 20 |
| Total Loss | $4,700 |
| Discovery on Property | Approximately 4,000 pounds of decomposed animal remains |
| Legal Proceedings | Readiness conference on December 18; preliminary exam on December 22 |
FAQ
What is Christopher Settle charged with?
Christopher Settle is charged with a felony count of grand theft for allegedly defrauding customers by accepting payments for cremation services that were never performed.
How many victims are involved in this case?
Prosecutors state that 20 victims have not received refunds for services that weren’t completed between July and September, amounting to a combined loss of $4,700.
What was found on the property of Angel Paws Pet Cremation?
Authorities discovered approximately 4,000 pounds of decomposed animal remains, many of which were communally cremated. Some pet owners received ashes during the time Angel Paws was nonoperational, some received the wrong ashes, and others have not received ashes or their pet’s remains.
What is the status of Christopher Settle’s legal proceedings?
Settle is free on bond and is scheduled to appear in court for a readiness conference on December 18 and a preliminary exam on December 22.
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