SAN JOSE: Chili finger woman has rooting section at arraignment

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 5/10/5 | Alan Gathright

[SmithL]

The woman who has become nationally known for allegedly planting a finger in a bowl of Wendy's chili smiled and appeared relaxed Monday as she mouthed "I love you all" to family members during her arraignment in a San Jose courtroom.

Authorities have accused Anna Ayala, 39, of being a scam artist who attempted to shake down the fast-food chain after the March 22 incident at a Wendy's in San Jose, but the Las Vegas woman appeared in court before a small fan club.

A dozen supporters came to the courthouse wearing T-shirts emblazed with "Free Anna Ayala" or "We Support Anna Ayala" on the front and "INNOCENT" on the back. Bailiffs required them to turn the T-shirts inside out to conceal the message before they entered the courtroom.

Ayala, 39, was extradited from Las Vegas on Friday and is being held in Santa Clara County jail. She declined Monday to enter a plea, and Judge Jerome Nadler set a May 18 hearing, where her attorneys are expected to seek reduction of Ayala's $500,000 bail.

At the end of the proceeding, Ayala gave a big wave and told the judge:

[Exeter]

"...where in Hell did she get the finger?"

Has anyone stopped to ask an equally important question; how many MORE extra fingers does she have? How many restaurants was she going to try this scam on? During the trial, if someone says she's all thumbs, will she jump up and exclaim, "That's a lie! I also have some pinkies!"?

[Gary - Peters]

After she libeled Wendy's and cost tham a half million bucks in sales, she drags the rest of her family tree into the courtroom.

What is this Family Feud, the Price is Right.

Anyone got some good ideas for T-Shirts here.

[telebob]

Dare I say it? I dare...

Gypsies!

[Jalapeno]

Police and prosecutors have been tight-lipped about the evidence they have against Ayala.

This is troubling, especially since it is in California...usually a sign they are already screwing something up.