$600K ‘kidnapping’ turns out to be fake, woman charged

A Westmoreland woman who allegedly sent her child’s father a photo and voice note claiming she had been kidnapped and demanding $600,000 is now facing a criminal charge after police reportedly discovered that the entire ordeal was fabricated.

Charged with creating public mischief is 36-year-old Alecia Watkins, otherwise called ‘Renae’, of Petersfield, Westmoreland.

The bizarre incident reportedly unfolded on August 15, when the father of Watkins’ child received a photo and voice note around 7:43 p.m. claiming that Watkins had been kidnapped.

According to police, the message was accompanied by a demand for $600,000.

The alarm was raised, and the matter was reported to the Savanna-la-Mar Police. Investigators from the Transnational Crime Investigation Division (TCID) were also contacted and an investigation was launched.

Two days later, on August 17, police received information around 11 p.m. that Watkins had returned home.

She was subsequently taken to the Savanna-la-Mar Police Station, where she was interviewed by investigators.

However, what initially appeared to be a frightening kidnapping case allegedly unravelled during the investigation.

Police said their probe revealed that the kidnapping had been fabricated.

Watkins was subsequently arrested and charged with creating public mischief.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force is reminding members of the public that making false reports can result in prosecution and can divert valuable police resources from genuine emergencies.

Investigations into the matter are continuing.

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on X @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar, or on Whatsapp @ 876-550-2506.