Bail cut after lawyer complains ‘Christmas Grinch’ demonized
District Judge Linda Bell reduced the bail Friday for Vera Lopez, the so-called Christmas Grinch, after her lawyer said she has been publicly “demonized” since her arrest on charges of stealing holiday toys and gift cards meant for needy children in the Las Vegas area.
Bell cut the bail in half from $100,000 to $50,000, but at the request of prosecutors ordered a hearing on the source of the funds Lopez uses to obtain her release from the Clark County Detention Center.
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.
Deputy Public Defender William Waters told Bell that Lopez is not as bad as the person being portrayed in the media. He said she has no criminal record, long-standing ties to the community and a decade of work with charitable groups.
Lopez also has been taking care of six children, including some who were abandoned, Waters said.
But Chief Deputy District Attorney Mike Staudaher said prosecutors have a “solid case” against Lopez, including videotape of her using Walmart gift cards obtained from the Burn Foundation to purchase items for herself.
“The fact that she preyed on children who were in need is reprehensible,” Staudaher said.
Bell delayed Lopez’s arraignment on the criminal charges until Jan. 28 while Lopez considers hiring a private lawyer.