Santa Claus Burglar Arraigned in Kirkland Case

The so-called Santa Claus burglar, stuck in a chimney last year in a Seattle case and arrested in a Kirkland burglary last month, remained in jail Thursday after being arraigned in King County Superior Court.

Shon Shanell, 24, pleaded not guilty to felony burglary charges in the May 13 Kirkland case, but remained in jail with a bail of $150,000. However, Judge Theresa Doyle did allow Shanell to apply for work release during his arraignment Wednesday.

Ian Goodhew, the deputy chief of staff in the King County Prosecutor's office, said Shanell would reman in jail at least until his next court date, June 15, unless he can prove he has gainful employment or makes bail. 

Shanell, from Seattle, was arrested along with his alleged accomplice, 26-year-old Arlene Corpuz-Agacaoili of Renton, on state Route 520 after a resident interrupted a burglary attempt at his home on the 700 block of State Street.

According to Kirkland Police reports, the resident arrived to find the woman in his driveway, appearing nervous and looking over her shoulder, then asking where a bus stop was. Moments later, a green Volvo tore recklessly out of the backyard of the house. The woman then fled on foot.

The Volvo was later pulled over and both Shanell and Corpuz-Agacoili were apprehended by Clyde Hill Police on 520, according to the Kirkland report. They were also found with marijuana, the report said. The report also said that Shanell allegedly dropped a generator he had been trying to steal at the house when he fled.

Shanell got his nickame in February 2010 after getting stuck while trying to slide down the chimney of a mansion near Seward Park in Seattle (see the attached KOMO-TV video). It took emergency personnel six hours and a jackhammer to free Shanell.

He was convicted in July 2010 and sentenced to 17 months, but was released just weeks later, in August, for reasons that remain unclear.

Corpuz-Agacaoili also pled not guilty to burglary charges Wednesday in King County Superior Court and remains in jail, but on work release. Her next court date is June 29.

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Editor's Note: This story has been changed since it was posted to correct the name of the presiding judge.