PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – A 17-year-old girl from Pembroke Pines told police that she lied about being ambushed and then raped last weekend, detectives confirmed Thursday morning.
The teen, who was not identified, said she had been walking in the 1400 block of S. Flamingo Road shortly after 8 p.m. Sunday when she was approached by someone before being pulled into bushes and sexually battered.
According to authorities, the victim admitted to detectives that she fabricated the story.
Pembroke Pines police said they spent hours at nearby businesses looking for surveillance video.
They only description they were given of the alleged attacker was a man between 20 to 30 years of age with dark hair.
Police said they have confirmed that there was no attacker and no safety concerns for the community.
“Following a thorough investigation by our Special Victims Unit, which included extensive area canvasses, field interviews, forensic tests, and the review of several hours of surveillance footage, it was determined that the reported sexual battery did not occur,” Pembroke Pines police said in a statement.
Police said their department’s current focus is to provide services and resources to the teen and her family.
Local 10 News spoke with South Florida Attorney Mark Eiglarsh who said fabricating a rape story poses a larger problem for future victims.
“The biggest problem is you’ve got future victims who may not come forward because they are going to be scrutinized more so because of law enforcement,” he said. “They know there are people who lie about this.”
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and it’s unclear if the girl will face criminal charges in connection with the false report.
Eiglarsh said he doesn’t believe the teen will be charged because of her age but she could face up to a year in jail if found guilty.