Couple accused of stealing water for nudist resort in Los Gatos
A Los Gatos couple and co-owners of a nudist resort are facing charges for allegedly stealing water from a local creek for the benefit of their business, Lupine Lodge, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.
Glyn Stout, 77, and Lori Stout, 53, turned themselves into San Jose Police after they were accused of conspiring to pipe water after numerous warnings to stop, prosecutors said.
Employees John Berryessa, 49, and Michael Buckland, 38, are also facing the same charge.
Prosecutors said the Stouts are scheduled to be arraigned on July 13 and Buckland will be arraigned on July 14. If convicted, they face up to three years in county jail.
Prosecutors said last July, the Stouts asked the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District for permission to install temporary water lines to collect from Hendry’s Creek for their lodge. That request was declined.
Between July 2014 and November 2014, prosecutors said employees of the lodge are seen trespassing on MROSD property on wildlife surveillance cameras in the area.
Investigators said employees trespassed on foot and in cars. They said an old fire trail was cleared, causing significant environmental damage and multiple water lines were installed into the creek and other springs on the MROSD property, delivering water to the lodge.
