A Mason City teenager has made his first court appearance after allegedly causing an Amber Alert to be issued Saturday night, that later turned out to be a hoax.
WMBD-TV in Peoria reports a Fulton County judge set bond in the case of 18-year-old Mitchell Dutz at $50,000, and scheduled another court hearing for the day after Christmas.
Dutz was arrested Saturday night, after authorities claimed he made a false child abduction report to police in order to exact revenge on someone who allegedly robbed him during a drug deal.
But WMBD reports an Assistant State’s Attorney said in court that Dutz made up the story in order to receive a ride from police.
Dutz apparently used a picture of a baby found on social media to try and claim his child had been abducted.
Peoria County authorities told the television station that despite the hoax, but based on information they had at the time, they acted properly to assist Fulton County in the investigation, and to issue the Amber Alert.
Dutz also allegedly burglarized a Dollar General store in Farmington Saturday night.
He faces charges of Burglary, Disorderly Conduct, Making a False 911 call, and Obstruction of Justice.
