All Charges Dismissed in Case Stemming from Ocean Beach Apartment Fire

Single mom Larissa Danielli of Ocean Beach wants to set the record straight about the outcome of her case.

As reported in these pages last November, Danielli, a single mother, was arrested and lost custody of her nearly two-year-old son Silas after a fire damaged her apartment building in Ocean Beach. Neither Danielli nor her son were at home when the fire broke out.

When Danielli arrived at her home, she attempted to enter her apartment to prevent further damage to her professional DJ equipment. Police had denied her entry for safety reasons. She was arrested on obstruction charges and says she was handcuffed for five hours in the back of a police cruiser.

Because the officials who checked for water damage in Danielli’s apartment discovered marijuana, they placed her son in foster care immediately. Danielli did have a valid medical marijuana card.

Danielli had a restraining order placed against her, preventing her from speaking with her child. Eventually, Danielli says she was able to obtain legal help from Art La Cilento, former attorney for Nadya Suleman (aka “OctoMom”).

Things began to look up when the Child Protective Services case against Danielli was dismissed. She was reunited with her son earlier this year. Danielli says that the only criminal charge they didn’t drop after releasing her from jail (where she spent five days) was "a misdemeanor obstruction"; that charge was later reduced to "obscene language," as the arresting officer claimed Danielli was "abusive and offensive with her language."

"I never said ONE swear or offensive word,” Danielli insists.

All criminal charges against her have been dismissed, she says, and she is enjoying life again with her son and attending law school full time.

"I'm still trying to recover — physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially,” says Danielli. “Some days are better than others, but I don't feel safe anymore."

About Silas, says Danielli, "He used to have no fear and was so secure and active. Now he's quiet and just wants to stay home."