“Christmas Grinch” pleads not guilty
January 28, 2011 - 9:49 am
Vera Lopez, dubbed the "Christmas Grinch," pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of stealing holiday toys and gift cards meant for needy children .
District Judge Linda Bell set a March 28 trial for Lopez, who is being held at the Clark County Detention Center on $50,000 bail.
Lopez, 41, is facing a 13-count felony indictment charging her with theft, obtaining money under false pretenses, burglary and burglary with the assistance of a child.
Prosecutors allege she stole about $30,000 worth of toys and gift cards from the Southern Nevada Burn Foundation, a popular charity run by local firefighters.
Contact Jeff German at jgerman@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-8135 or read more courts coverage at lvlegalnews.com.