Lynn woman accused in elderly attack, theft pleads innocent

SALEM – A Lynn woman accused of bursting into an 83-year-old woman’s apartment on Pleasant Street and pushing her into a closet while stealing her jewelry, cash and medications remains held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.Nurinalda Mendez, 21, who police list as homeless in Lynn, appeared on Friday for her arraignment in Salem Superior Court, pleading innocent to assault and battery on an elderly person, larceny of property more than $250, kidnapping as well as breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony before Judge Timothy Q. Feeley.Assistant District Attorney Jessica Strasnick asked the judge to hold Mendez without bail pending a dangerousness hearing. Strasnick turned over to Feeley documentation involving the grand jury presentment of the case by the commonwealth as well as police reports and other information regarding the case for him to review prior to the hearing. The judge agreed to schedule the dangerousness hearing for Jan. 19.In the meantime, Mendez remains held without bail at Framingham State Prison for Women.The charges arise out of an incident on Oct. 19 when the accused allegedly invaded the home of an 83-year-old woman at 10 Pleasant St.The suspect reportedly knocked at the door asking for a donation and when the elderly woman went to get some cash, she went inside.Once inside the intruder forced the elderly citizen into a closet, blocked the door by placing a desk against the door and stole her money, jewelry and medications before leaving the home.The victim eventually was able to push her way out of the closet and call police.Mendez was arrested following an investigation.The victim reportedly identified the intruder through a photo array.She has been deemed indigent, meaning she has no money of her own to hire an attorney to defend her. The state will pay all costs, but she is responsible for $150 towards her legal representation. She is being represented by public defender Christopher Norris.