Morrison to Fight Shoplifting Charges

[Brett Ferino]

LOS ANGELES - "Will & Grace" actress Shelley Morrison will fight misdemeanor shoplifting charges, her attorney said Wednesday.

Morrison, who plays wisecracking Rosario Salazar, the Salvadoran maid of socialite Karen Walker on the show, is innocent and plans to mount a "vigorous defense," attorney Donald Etra said.

"She's led an impeccable life as a wonderful actress and humanitarian," Etra said.

Misdemeanor charges were filed by the city attorney Tuesday after the district attorney declined to file felony charges.

"We felt, based on the situation, based on her lack of prior record, it should go to the city attorney to determine whether they're going to file," district attorney's spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons said. "We felt that felony charges weren't warranted in this case."

The 66-year-old actress allegedly took $446.44 worth of jewelry from a Robinsons-May department store in West Los Angeles on April 23. Store security guards took her into custody and handed her over to police, who took her to jail. She was released after posting $20,000 bond, and an arraignment was scheduled for May 14.

Gibbons said felony cases usually involve property worth $1,000 or more.

Actress Winona Ryder was convicted last year of felony shoplifting for taking more than $5,500 worth of merchandise from a Saks Fifth Avenue store in Beverly Hills.

Morrison, whose given name is Rachel Mitrani, was born in New York City's borough of the Bronx. She is married to author Walter Dominguez, and was booked under the name Rachel Dominguez.

The actress also played Sister Sixto in the 1960s show "The Flying Nun" and has appeared in numerous movies.