SAN DIEGO : Seven Charged in Series of Thefts
Seven people charged with conspiracy and committing a series of thefts at medical centers pleaded not guilty Wednesday after being warned by a judge to remain calm in his courtroom.
The defendants, most of whom reside in the San Francisco Bay Area, are accused of stealing primarily from elderly patients.
According to Deputy Dist. Atty. August Meyer, the group generally worked in pairs and had one member pretend to become stuck in an elevator while their accomplice picked the pockets of the victim. They are charged with illegally using credit cards to obtain cash advances and to rent cars.
Before the arraignment, Superior Court Judge Frederic L. Link was seen leaving the holding-cell area, apparently after warning the five female defendants, who had become rowdy. Once the group entered the courtroom, marshals stood on alert, and Link warned the group that they would be removed if there were any disturbance.
Link set a trial date of July 9.
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