Charges Filed Against Teen for Kidnapping Hoax The Independence teen who lied about being abducted has been charged." />
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Updated: 11:41 AM May 13, 2006
Charges Filed Against Teen for Kidnapping Hoax
KAKE News
The Independence teen who lied about being abducted has been charged.
Posted: 6:08 PM May 12, 2006
Reporter: Jennifer Bocchieri
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Charges Filed In Kidnapping Hoax
On April 11th, 911 operators in Independence got a frightening call. Kelsey Stelting, 16, told police she was kidnapped by an unknown man in a white van. Sixteen hours later she returned unharmed. Shortly after that, she admitted to investigators she'd made the whole thing up.

On Friday, prosecutors officially charged the teenager with one misdemeanor count of falsely reporting a crime and three felony counts of obstructing official duty. Kelsey Stelting is being charged as a juvenile. Police and Kelsey's attorney will not comment on the case.

The Assistant Montgomery County Attorney released a statement Friday afternoon saying, "It is important the public understand that with these charges, Miss Stelting will be held accountable. What happens from this point forward is for our court system to decide."

Stelting's punishment could include probation, placement in a youth residential facility or time in a juvenile lock up.

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