California assemblywoman Mary Hayashi charged with felony grand theft

Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi has been charged with felony grand theft
after allegedly being caught by security officers stealing nearly
$2,500 in clothing from a San Francisco Neiman Marcus store.

The 45-year-old Castro Valley Democrat, wife of a Bay Area judge,
pleaded not guilty Thursday in San Francisco Superior Court and is
free on $15,000 bail pending further proceedings Nov. 15.

Sam Singer, spokesman for Hayashi, said the arrest occurred after she
left the store while using her cellular phone.

"The incident in San Francisco was a mistake and a misunderstanding,"
Singer said. "The assemblywoman strongly believes in the justice
system and is hopeful that this matter will be cleared up soon."

Hayashi, who is scheduled to be termed out of office next year, chairs
the Assembly Business, Professions and Consumer Protection Committee.

The veteran lawmaker was placed under citizen's arrest by security
officers outside Neiman Marcus after leaving the store without paying
for clothing items, said Officer Carlos Manfredi of the San Francisco
Police Department.

Hayashi had passed several cash registers without stopping and the
incident was captured on videotape, said Manfredi, adding that the
clothing was recovered and has been booked into evidence.

Leather pants, a black skirt and a white blouse were the merchandise
involved, Singer confirmed. He did not know their brand names or
value.

Hayashi, after being stopped by Neiman Marcus security officers about
12:15 p.m. Sunday, was taken into custody by San Francisco police and
released on bail about seven hours later – at 7:28 p.m., reports said.

Maximum sentence is three years in prison for grand theft, but
first-time offenders typically do not receive such stiff sentences,
said Assistant District Attorney Omid Talai, spokesman for the San
Francisco DA's office.

Talai declined to comment on Hayashi's likely punishment if convicted.

Hayashi is embarrassed, distraught and she apologizes for any
misunderstanding, but she has no intention of resigning from office,
Singer said.

"Absolutely not," he said. "She is one of the most respected members
of the Assembly – a fine, upstanding citizen and a role model. This is
a mistake and nothing more."

....of course she is, laugh, laugh, laugh! they never can see the exit
sign, eh? Buh bye now!

Read mo
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/10/29/401...oman-mary.html