Man who took boxes from landfill faces possible charges
Morgan Hill – When Abraham Margolin removed a cardboard box with four smaller boxes inside from the landfill in San Martin, he thought he was taking away cremated human remains, acting on a kind thought; little did he know he was stirring up trouble.
The remains turned out to be those of beloved family pets, mistakenly taken to the San Martin Transfer Station in the confusion of a household move, according to the veterinarian who treated the pets. He spoke on the condition that he remain anonymous.
“My client did not want to get rid of these ashes,” he said Tuesday. “I feel just horrible for her. There are several options for dealing with a pet that has died, and having them cremated is one of the more expensive options.”
The owner declined to speak.
The veterinarian said he heard about the remains after the story in the April 29 edition of the Dispatch, which listed the names of the pets which were engraved on the boxes. He then called to report that the remains were not human, but animal.
Now, Margolin faces possible criminal charges, including theft, because there is a sign at the landfill – which is private property – that forbids scavenging, said Santa Clara County Sheriff Deputy Serg Palanov.
“People should remember that if they find something suspicious, such as in a case like this, they should call authorities and don’t touch anything, Palanov said. “If they remove something from the scene, or touch anything, they could contaminate the scene if it turns out to be a criminal situation.”
When Margolin – who was hauling rubbish and debris for a company when he found the box – removed what he thought were human remains, he felt he was doing something honorable, he said.
“No one deserves to end up at the dump,” Margolin said.
But Santa Clara County Sheriff’s office deputies told him he should not have removed the box containing the smaller boxes, and he could be facing charges if the District Attorney’s Office believes there is sufficient evidence.
Margolin said he discovered the boxes about 10:55am Friday. He put the box containing the smaller boxes in his truck and returned to Morgan Hill. After calling the media to report his discovery, Margolin said he called Santa Clara County Sheriff’s office deputies. The dump is in the county’s jurisdiction.
At least the owners of the pets will have their remains back, the veterinarian said. The family is very pleased, he added, that the remains were found, though the Sheriff’s office is holding them now, completing its investigation.
