Anthony’s location closely guarded

Photo by: Red Huber

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Photo

Casey Anthony, center, walks out of the Orange County Jail with her attorney Jose Baez, left, during her release in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, July 17, 2011. Anthony was acquitted last week of murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee. (AP Photo/Red Huber, Pool)

Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla.

Casey Anthony’s whereabouts for her first week of freedom were a closely guarded secret Monday, known only to a select few as she tries to start a new life after being acquitted of killing her daughter. One of her lawyers says an elaborate plan was made to protect her from people with “the lynch-mob mentality.”

Her options for starting a new life could be limited by lawsuits pending against her, the scorn of multitudes who think she was guilty of the killing and a criminal record from her convictions for lying to police. She walked out of jail Sunday, shortly after midnight.

Her attorney Cheney Mason told NBC’s “Today Show” on Monday that he’s confident in Anthony’s safety but declined to answer questions about where she was.

“She’s gone, she’s safe, and elaborate plans had to be made to keep the people away from her,” Mason said. “Her life is going to be very difficult for a very long time as long as there are so many people of the lynch-mob mentality.”

Asked about how Anthony was paying for her fresh start, Mason replied that many volunteers have offered their help.

Her notoriety also could help her earn money. Experts who have helped other notorious defendants through rough times say she will have opportunities.