A strange and confusing story that surfaced Friday about a possible infant abduction in North Carolina has turned out to be a hoax, authorities confirm.
*Update*
ABC 11 previously reported that both mom and baby had been found safe, according to a statement provided by the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office on Friday night. Upon additional investigation, the sheriff’s office reported that the the baby and woman were both fictional. The photo of the infant was allegedly taken from social media.
A suspect, Danilla Bethea, has been arrested for allegedly creating a “missing mom and baby” scheme in an attempt to get money from donations.
The ploy, however, had a community on edge in North Carolina and authorities working furiously to locate a woman and her baby.
On Friday, February 1, 2019,the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office arrestee Danilla Mitzia “Missy” Bethea, on 10 counts…
Posted by Scotland County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Unit on Friday, February 1, 2019
As CrimeOnline previously reported, an infant supposedly named Lee Ann Morrison was reported missing on Thursday. The baby’s mother was said to be a living transient lifestyle in the Scotland County, Richland County, and Fayetteville areas, and acquaintances told authorities that the woman disappeared and may be deceased.
The suspect is currently being booked into the Scotland County Jail.
The story is developing. Check back with CrimeOnline for updates.
[Feature Photo: Police Handout]
