Bail reduced for defendant in Sonoma home burglary case

<p>Bail was reduced Monday for the alleged accomplice in the burglary of a dead Sonoma family's home but not for the man accused of carrying out the theft.</p><p>Judge Elliot Daum reduced bail to $60,000 for Amber Marie True, 29, of San Mateo County, who had been held in lieu of $500,000 bail.</p><p>A separate $500,000 bail for her boyfriend, Michael Vincent Gutierrez, 26, remained the same.</p><p>Both entered not guilty pleas Thursday to felony charges of residential burgalry, auto theft, possession of a stolen vehicle and vandalism.</p><p>The couple is accused of burglarizing the home of John and Susan Maloney, who were killed along with their children, Aiden, 8, and Grace, 5, when their minivan was broadsided Nov. 28 at Lakeville Highway and Highweay 37.</p><p>Their home was looted three nights later.</p><p>Gutierrez, who has a long criminal record including three state prison stints, has said he did not know the family had been killed when he broke into their house.</p><p>Daum denied any bail reduction for Gutierrez, citing pending cases in San Mateo County and allegations he violated probation.</p><p>However, True was granted a reduction that could set her free.</p><p>In arguing for reduced bail for True Monday, attorney Steve Weiss said “community outrage” is not a proper consideration for setting bail. Weiss said she is entitled to a “reasonable bail” in part because she lacks previous convictions.</p>