Foundation considers filing false report charges following canceled Amber Alert for Marion County teenager

The Uvalde Foundation For Kids has officially retracted its resources following the cancellation of the Amber Alert regarding 17-year-old Caden Speight in Marion County, Florida. Organization spokespeople revealed that the entire episode, which incited a multi-agency search effort, might have stemmed from the teenager’s own fabrication.

Uvalde Foundation’s Involvement and Retraction of Resources

The Foundation had initially become involved in the case after Speight was reported missing under dire circumstances, described as a potential shooting and kidnapping. Committed to its mission of assisting missing and endangered children, the organization took immediate action by offering monetary rewards, mobilizing volunteer search teams, and deploying personnel to search public areas like state parks, gas stations, and restaurants.

Investigation Insights and Withdrawal Following Discovery

Upon deeper investigation, authorities uncovered evidence, including surveillance footage of Speight purchasing a bicycle and camping equipment, contradicting the original kidnapping narrative. The Uvalde Foundation quickly ceased its involvement and redirected resources to authentic emergencies, emphasizing their commitment to genuine cases.

Leader’s Statement on Exploited Resources

Daniel Chapin, the founder of the Uvalde Foundation, expressed concern about the misuse of resources due to false reports. “The time and resources we dedicate to finding a missing child are sacred. We operate on the highest presumption of danger with Amber Alerts. This case sadly showcases the serious ramifications of a dishonest report,” Chapin stated. He pointed out the foundation’s significant efforts and resources used in this search, including the employment of their school threat assessment database.

Potential Legal Actions and Statutory Implications

The Foundation is contemplating pursuing formal charges against Speight, pending confirmation of an intentional false report. Florida law upholds stringent measures against such offenses. Under Florida Statute 817.49, knowingly submitting a false report could result in a first-degree misdemeanor, scaling up to a third- or second-degree felony if the falsity leads to more substantial consequences like injury or death.

• First-degree misdemeanor: Punishable by up to one year in county jail.
• Third-degree felony: Carries penalties including up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
• Restitution: Courts may demand reimbursement for law enforcement expenses incurred.

Authorities confirmed Speight’s safe location, initially reporting potential abduction by four men, a claim subsequently debunked. Details regarding the cause of his disappearance remain undisclosed.

This incident underscores the importance of accountability in crisis communication, highlighting the potential legal repercussions of fabricating emergency situations.