FOX40 Morning Anchor Resigns, Splits From Alleged Co-Conspirator, Vows To Prove Innocence
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A local new anchor accused of theft and conspiracy resigned from her job on Tuesday and announced she broke up with her fiance and alleged co-conspirator.
Sabrina Rodriguez says she left her job as a FOX40 morning anchor to focus on the case against her.
"As of today I have severed my ties with Nick Gray. I am now focusing on life decisions as I move forward with the support of family, friends, viewers and the community," she said.
Doug Elmets is Rodriguez's new spokesman, representing her for free.
"She certainly has a lot of support in this community," he said.
He says her decision to resign will allow her to focus on the grand theft, burglary, and conspiracy charges against her, so she can prove her innocence and return to TV work.
Prosecutors allege Rodriguez helped Gray sell stolen merchandise and allege she was involved in a shoplifting incident with her Gray at the Coach Outlet Store in Folsom. In the March 2013 incident, prosecutors say 10 wallets were stolen at a value of $2,500.
Elmets says he's focused on restoring her reputation.
"She has been faced with some serious self-reflection and I think that has led to her severing ties with Nick Gray," he said.
New court documents uncovered by CBS13 reveal Gray, who investigators say worked at a marijuana dispensary, is charged with arson and drug possession in connection with the fire at the home he and Rodriguez shared in May.
Investigators say "Gray was converting marijuana into concentrated cannabis using the butane honey oil method." That butane allegedly caused an the explosion that destroyed their South Sacramento home.
Prosecutors also accused Gray of attacking a woman identified in court documents as Rachel P. two days after the fire.
Gray was convicted in 2009 for burglary in Yolo County and resisting an officer in Sonoma County.
As for Rodriguez, after her high-profile arrest and subsequent split, her spokesman says she maintains her innocence and remains intent on someday returning to the airwaves.
"Absolutely. She wants to stay in this community, this is a community that knows her, loves her, she has experience here and she's not going to run away," Elmets said.
Elmets says Rodriguez will tell her side of the story to the public at some point, but not likely before she faces a judge.
She is due in court in late August on theft charges. She has not been charged in the fire.
