Police Charge Woman Accused of Staging Her Own Kidnapping

A 36-year-old woman from Westmoreland, Jamaica, has been charged with creating public mischief after police alleged that she staged her own kidnapping.

Police identified her as Alecia Watkins, also known as “Renae,” of Petersfield. They said the father of her child received a photograph and voice note around 7:43 p.m. on Aug. 15 claiming that Watkins had been kidnapped. The messages reportedly included a demand for $600,000.

The matter was reported to police in Savanna-la-Mar, and investigators from the parish’s Criminal Investigation Branch opened an inquiry. Police said Watkins returned home around 11 p.m. on Aug. 17 and was taken to the Savanna-la-Mar Police Station for questioning.

Investigators later concluded that the kidnapping had been fabricated, leading to her arrest and charge. The Jamaica Constabulary Force warned that false reports can result in prosecution and divert police resources from genuine emergencies. The investigation continues.