Maggie Sweeney

North Carolina Woman Arrested After Family, Friends Thought She Had Been Murdered

A North Carolina woman is facing several criminal charges after allegedly making friends and family believe she was murdered.

According to NBC 4, Margaret Frances “Maggie” Elizabeth Sweeney, 37, was reported missing on August 18, based on information that insinuated that she was in danger or had been killed. The following day, police found Sweeney safe.

Police said while investigating, they found that “Sweeney allegedly made anonymous third-party false reports to a friend, and the Department of Social Services that she had been murdered.”

“Sweeney’s actions caused our department, as well as other departments, many hours of work which could have been spent on other matters,” the the Franklin Police Department said in a statement. “Family, friends, and the community as a whole were also very concerned and worried about Sweeney’s welfare.”

Fox Carolina reports that Sweeney was arrested on August 21. She’s now facing filing a false report to a police station, false report of death or serious injury, and obstruction of law enforcement officers charges.

Check back for updates.

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[Feature Photo: Maggie Sweeney/Franklin PD]