CLAYTON, MO (KMOX) - The St. Louis County Prosecutor has now filed formal charges against two women that investigators say were involved in this week's missing child hoax.
31-year-old Kayla Williams and 29-year-old Ashley Collins are charged with making a false police report and misuse of 9-1-1.
The defendants are accused of contacting police Monday morning and reporting that a 5-year-old girl was kidnapped in a vehicle theft.
An Amber Alert was issued. The triggered mobilization of officers from multiple departments, as well as specialized tactical units and air support. Investigators ultimately determined the child was a fabrication. The vehicle was found a mile and a half away.
Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Price Smith released a statement saying -- “Every minute a police officer spends chasing a ghost is a minute they are unavailable for a real victim of violence.”
Her office says the incident resulted in significant taxpayer expense, including overtime costs and the deployment of high-cost specialized equipment.
The prosecutor's office says the actions jeopardized public safety by depleting emergency resources.
Williams and Collins face misdemeanor charges. They face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, if convicted. Bond was set at $10,000 each.
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