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Chicago Woman Sentenced for Hoax Rescue Call
CHICAGO — A Chicago woman has been sentenced for making a hoax distress call to the Coast Guard, causing a $13,613 rescue operation in 2013.
Leona Chewning, 24, pleaded guilty to communicating a false distress message to the Coast Guard. She admitted to knowingly and willfully making a false report of a person falling into Lake Michigan on February 4, 2013.
The Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation, including a helicopter and a diver from the Chicago Fire Department, after receiving the call from Chewning. However, no one was found in the water.
“Hoax rescue calls are costly and risky for the responding agencies and personnel who put their own lives on the line in an effort to save others,” said Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.
Chewning faces a maximum sentence of six years in prison and a $250,000 fine, as well as a civil penalty of $5,000 and mandatory restitution of $13,613. She is free on her own recognizance while awaiting sentencing, which was scheduled for April 22.
“False distress calls like this one tie up valuable assets and put our crews at risk,” said Capt. Nicholas Bartolotta, chief of response for the Ninth Coast Guard District. “We want to make sure people know the dangers and consequences of knowingly making a hoax call.”
The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Storino.
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Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Violent Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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