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15-year-old girl admits to making up sexual battery allegations in North Port, police say

Posted at 11:57 AM, Jan 08, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-10 23:12:55-05

NORTH PORT, Fla. — Just days after North Port residents were asked to be on the lookout for a sexual battery suspect, the 15-year-old "victim" told police she made up the story.

Earlier in the week, the 15-year-old girl told police she was assaulted on Monday while jogging in the area of Landover Terrace.

At the time of the manhunt, she gave police the following description:

  • White male
  • 36 to 38 years old
  • 5 foot 8
  • Average to muscular build
  • Dark blonde hair styled in a buzz cut with a goatee
  • Green/blue eyes

On Friday, the girl admitted she made up the story, police said.

"After an extension investigation and a multitude of interviews, we have been able to determine that our victim made up the story to seek attention," North Port PD said in a press release.

Police said charges against the girl will be determined at a later time. North Port PD said their main focus is that the girl gets whatever help she needs.