Conclusion: The Arellano Trial
by S. May

On Monday, August 11th, the bench trial of SanJuanita and Ernesto Arellano began at approximately 2:30. The former proprietors of the Arellano Financial Services which was located at 12814 S. Western Avenue have been held in Cook County Jail since July of 2007. They are each accused of at least 11 felonies which stem from theft by deception charges in their financial dealings in our community. SanJuanita bears the additional charge as the major implementer. Monetary losses have been suffered by many of our residents.

Judge Diane Gordon Cannon presided in this trial, Room 208, at Cook County Criminal Court, 26th and California in Chicago. Two witnesses for the prosecution were called Monday afternoon. On Wednesday, the 13th, the trial concluded with the following sentence: SanJuanita received a 10 year sentence, Ernesto received an 8 year sentence. Story in our next issue.