Casey Anthony bankruptcy case to stay in Tampa

Anthony expected to appear in court next week to meet with creditors

ORLANDO, Fla. – A judge on Tuesday denied a motion from Zenaida Gonzalez's attorneys to move Casey Anthony's bankruptcy hearing from Tampa to Orlando.

Lawyers for Gonzalez, along with Orange County meter reader Roy Kronk, a witness in Anthony's murder trial, wanted the bankruptcy case moved.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge K. Rodney May ruled, however, that Anthony's case will remain in the Tampa division.

"There is a publicity factor that is extraordinary," May said on Tuesday. "It's beyond the ordinary." 

Attorney Scott Shuker, who represented Gonzalez in court, argued that since Anthony has listed her home address as Hopespring Drive -- and since 27 creditors live in Orlando -- the case should be transferred to the Orlando division.

Anthony's bankruptcy attorney David Schrader argued that 65 percent of the creditors are outside Central Florida. He said holding the bankruptcy hearings at the "epicenter of publicity" in Orlando would put Anthony's life in danger and that security arrangements have already been made with the U.S. Marshal in Tampa for next week's creditor meeting, which Anthony is expected to attend.

Schrader also argued he works pro-bono and Tampa is more convenient for him.

May said that he understood the security reasons behind Anthony listing her parents' address as her home address. Anthony's attorneys said she has no intention to return to the Hopespring address.

May also said out that of the three Orlando bankruptcy judges that could have taken the case, one is retiring, another is brand new, and the third is the chief judge with an overwhelming caseload.

Anthony's attorneys had requested to postpone Tuesday's hearing, but the judge denied it on Monday.

Anthony, acquitted in the death of her daughter, Caylee, filed for bankruptcy protection last month, claiming $792,119 in debt and only $1,084 in assets.

Gonzalez, who claims Anthony defamed her when falsely claiming a nanny with a similar name kidnapped Caylee, is one of dozens of potential creditors Anthony says may have a claim against her.