Douglas County Sheriff’s investigators have recommended that the district attorney’s office file a false reporting charge against a 15-year-old girl who admitted she made up a story about being kidnapped.
The girl admitted Thursday night that she lied about being snatched off the street by two men to avoid being punished for leaving her home with teen-age friends when she stayed home from school.
Lt. Alan Stanton said the girl, whose identity was not released, could be required to pay thousands of dollars to cover the cost of the dragnet that followed her report.
Numerous deputies searched for her, followed tips, reviewed videotapes provided by area businesses. The kidnapping report was wired to state law enforcement officials.
Stanton said he’s worried that people will be less likely to respond the next time a child claims they were kidnapped.
“It’s almost the crying wolf syndrome,” he said.
