Police charge woman accused of staging her own kidnapping
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 36-year-old Westmoreland woman has been arrested and charged with creating public mischief after allegedly staging her own kidnapping.
She is Alecia Watkins, otherwise called “Renae”, of Petersfield, Westmoreland.
Reports are that about 7:43 pm on August 15, the father of Watkins’ child allegedly received a photograph and voice note claiming that Watkins had been kidnapped. A demand was reportedly made for $600,000.
The matter was reported to the Savanna-la-Mar police, and investigators from the parish’s Criminal Investigation Branch were contacted. An investigation was subsequently launched.
Two days later, on August 17, at about 11:00 pm, police received information that Watkins had returned home.
She was subsequently taken to the Savanna-la-Mar Police Station, where she was interviewed by investigators.
The investigation reportedly revealed that the kidnapping had been fabricated, resulting in Watkins’ arrest and subsequent charge.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force is reminding members of the public that making false reports can result in prosecution and divert valuable police resources from genuine emergencies.
Investigations are ongoing.
