FOX40 Anchor, Fiance Arrested In Separate Theft, Arson Incidents
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The fiance of a FOX40 anchor was arrested on arson and drug charges, and she is also facing theft charges in an unrelated case.
A May 6 fire broke out at the South Sacramento home of FOX40 morning anchor Sabrina Rodriguez and her fiance, Nicholas Gray, injuring one firefighter.
The couple said they believed the stove exploded.
"The occupants were extremely lucky to get out," said Sacramento Fire Batt. Chief Chris Ortiz. "If they'd hesitated probably a minute or they'd probably have been crawling out the windows or we'd be extricating them from the house."
Several months later, Gray was arrested and booked into Sacramento County Jail on charges of arson, battery, manufacturing meth and possession of marijuana or hashish for sale. His bail was set at $600,000.
Investigators would not confirm if his charges are linked to the May 6 fire.
Also on Thursday, Rodriguez turned herself in to Folsom Police on unrelated charges after a warrant was issued for her arrest.
The FOX40 anchor is accused of grand theft, burglary and conspiracy in an alleged shoplifting incident in March 2013 at the Coach Outlet store in Folsom. Police say Rodriguez helped an accomplice steal $2,500 worth of wallets.
Police say the store manager recognized Rodriguez as an anchor at a local TV station.
FOX40 released a statement saying she was granted a voluntary leave of absence:
"These charges relate to a personal situation with Ms. Rodriguez that is not related to her work at FOX40. Sabrina maintains she is innocent of these allegations."
Rodriguez is free after posting $10,000 bail. She's due in court later this month. Her lawyers tells CBS13 he believes she's innocent after hearing her side of the story.
Gray is behind bars on his unrelated charges, and is due in court on Monday.
