BRADENTON -- Prosecutors reduced a grand theft charge against a woman charged with stealing from the Melwood Oaks Homeowners Association.

Instead of a charge of stealing more than $100,000, prosecutors now allege that Debbie Mixon stole more than $20,000 from the association while she was an officer of the board.

Mixon, who is scheduled to go to trial Jan. 6, has pleaded not guilty.

Meanwhile, the association is awaiting a ruling on its motion for a default judgement against Mixon because she has not responded to its civil suit, which seeks repayment of $93,000.

Mixon's lawyer, Gregory Hagopian of Bradenton, said he disputes the amount in question.

"Ms. Mixon isn't as bad a person as some people are trying to make her out to be, and we look forward to proving that down the road," Hagopian said.