Woman in finger case waives extradition

By Matt Pordum (contact)

Tuesday, April 26, 2005 | 11:04 a.m.

The Las Vegas woman who claimed she found a piece of human finger in her bowl of Wendy's chili last month waived extradition today and will face larceny charges in California

Anna Ayala, 39, was arrested April 21 on charges of grand larceny and attempted grand larceny at her home near Serene Avenue and Maryland Parkway in southeast Las Vegas, according to police.

Las Vegas attorney Lew Brandon appeared with Ayala, who was in custody, this morning to assist her as she waived her right to stay in Clark County and fight the charges before Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Douglas Smith.

San Jose police now have 30 days to come to get Ayala or the charges against her will be dismissed.

Brandon said Ayala was "humbled. It's all been a humbling experience for her."

He said she is currently being held on $500,000 bail and he doesn't think she has the financial means to post bail.

Ayala will be represented by defense lawyer Rick Ehler in California.

Ehler said he is worried about the charges because they essentially state "she intentionally sabotaged Wendy's and is responsible for the $2.5 million they have lost since the incident."

He suggested authorities were "torturing" Ayala by charging her with a California statue 12022.6, which he believes was intended for "grand theft where there has been a major taking or embezzlement."

Ehler said Ayala thinks the charges are "ridiculous and is more than happy to go back to California and defend her good name."

Ehler would not comment on the facts of the case because he still hasn't seen a police report or the investigation prepared by "Wendy's minions."

Ehler expected California authorities to come get Ayala within the next two to three days.

Ayala made national news after telling police she found the 1 1/2-inch fingertip in her chili March 22 while eating at a Wendy's in San Jose. She said she intended to sue but relented, claiming the publicity was too emotionally taxing.

When police and health officials failed to find any missing fingers among the workers involved in the restaurant's supply chain, suspicion fell on Ayala, whose story has become a late-night TV punch line.

Sales dropped at franchises in Northern California, forcing layoffs and reduced hours, the company said. Wendy's also hired private investigators, set up a hotline for tips and offered a $100,000 reward for anyone who provides information leading to the finger's original owner.

Ayala previously has filed claims against several corporations, including a former employer and General Motors, though it is unclear from court records whether she received any money. She said she got $30,000 from El Pollo Loco after her 13-year-old daughter got sick at one of the chain's Las Vegas-area restaurants, but El Pollo Loco officials say they never paid any damages to Ayala.