Mom Fakes Kidnapping, DOJ Charges: Sparks Debate on Fake News, Immigration
Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon, a South Los Angeles activist, has been charged with orchestrating her own kidnapping to solicit donations and damage the reputation of federal agents. Investigators utilized phone records and surveillance footage to debunk Calderon’s claims of being abducted by “bounty hunters.” The investigation revealed a conspiracy, leading to charges of making false statements to federal officers. Calderon is expected to appear in court in the coming weeks and faces a potential five-year sentence in federal prison for each charge if convicted.
John Q. Hosedrinker