Mom fakes child kidnapping to find stolen car: Report

Jessica Pickett fake kidnapping claim resulted in an Amber Alert

An Ohio woman resorted to desperate — and highly illegal — measures to find her stolen car this week: By allegedly lying and saying that her 4-year-old daughter was in the car when it was stolen.

According to WCMH-TV Columbus,  Jessica Pickett called 911 to report her car stolen with her daughter inside. “I want to report somebody stole my car. Ma’am he just stole my car,” Pickett reportedly told the dispatcher.

Columbus Police quickly issued an Amber Alert — but the alert ultimately led to Pickett’s lie being exposed. Someone called police to let them know Pickett’s daughter was safe. “I am trying to call in about that Amber Alert. She is not missing. She is at her Aunt’s house,” the caller reportedly said.

The Amber Alert did, however, serve Pickett’s intended purpose: Shortly after it was issued, her car was found and a suspect was arrested on charges of auto theft. No child was in the car, though.

Pickett has been charged with misdemeanor falsification and was issued a summons to appear in court.  Columbus Police Sergeant Terry McConnell told WCMH-TV he didn’t know if Pickett would be required to re-pay any tax payer dollars used in the search for daughter.