A couple in Phoenix is facing charges after they allegedly said an 18-month-old was taken when their truck was stolen, but the authorities reported that the child never existed.
40-year-old Stormee Wagner and her husband, 37-year-old James Wagner, reportedly had their vehicle taken without their permission last Wednesday afternoon. The couple said that an 18-month-old they were babysitting was still in their truck when they parked at a QuikTrip market, and someone took off with the vehicle and the child.
When the authorities learned about the alleged car theft and child abduction, they collected the details from the Wagner’s. The couple reportedly said that they were taking care of a child named Wendy when someone took their vehicle.
The authorities reported that they recruited over 50 law enforcement officers, in addition to a helicopter, in their hunt for the Ford F-150. They also reported that they prepared to issue an AMBER alert.
A few hours later, the police found the vehicle. When they spoke with the driver and passenger, they learned that the child did not exist, and the Wagner’s had fabricated the tale.
The authorities purported that the couple used the story about the kidnapping to ensure their vehicle would be located quickly.
The man and the woman in the allegedly stolen truck were not taken into custody.
When the police believed their resources had been wasted on a fruitless mission, they decided to pursue charges against the couple for the alleged fake report.
The following day, the pair was booked into the Maricopa County Jail. They are each facing charges for suspicion of false reporting to law enforcement, and they are being held without bond.
They could each face up to three years in jail, in addition to $2,500 fines if they are found guilty of the charges.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.