The Polk County Sheriff's Office have arrested a couple after detectives learned an alleged stalking claim was bogus.
As previously reported, 24-year-old Brianna Lang made a report of an alleged attack and stalking to PCSO detectives on July 14. (In the original report, Brianna’s name was withheld per Florida State Statute 119 pertaining to victims of stalking. Her name is now released due to the claim being false and her subsequent arrest.)
Brianna gave detectives specific details on multiple occasions; July 14, July 19, July 22, July 26 and July 28, about a person whom she said came into her fenced backyard when she was mowing and attacked her telling detectives she was able to fight back and get away.
Brianna also told detectives the alleged attacker stalked her, showing up at several businesses around Winter Haven. She even provided photos of a black male leaning against a car whom she claimed was the alleged suspect and “helped” detectives with a composite drawing of her “attacker.” At no time during the previous interactions with detectives did Brianna report her husband had battered her.
On Friday, July 29, detectives learned Brianna’s co-workers had confronted her on two different occasions when they noticed obvious injuries and were concerned.
Detectives asked Brianna about these reports and she admitted she had lied about the attack and that her husband, 27-year-old James Bradley Lang, had choked her. They also learned James had battered Brianna in May and again earlier this month.
Brianna told detectives the “attacker” she described had been a random customer at her work location who had commented to her, “You should smile more.”
Brianna is charged with Knowingly Giving False Information to a Law Enforcement Officer, and False Information to LEO During an Investigation. Her husband is charged with Domestic Violence - Strangulation, and Domestic Violence Battery. Both were booked into the Polk County Jail late Friday, July 29, 2016.
Brianna is being held on $1000 bond; $500 per count. James is being held on NO bond.
