A Mason City, Illinois teenager is making an initial plea of not guilty after being arrested following his reporting a child abduction authorities believe wasn’t anywhere near true.
WMBD-TV in Peoria reports 18-year-old Mitchell Dutz made the plea during an arraignment hearing Wednesday in Fulton County Circuit Court. He faces charges of burglary, obstructing justice, disorderly conduct, and making a false 911 report.
Dutz allegedly told authorities December 15th three black males stole his car outside a Farmington gas station, which he also said had a 13-month-old baby inside. Authorities later determined the story to be false, but not before a statewide Amber Alert had been issued.
Authorities allege Dutz also broke into a Dollar General store in Farmington during the investigation.
Dutz remains held in the Fulton County Jail on $50,000 bond. A trial could be held as soon as February 19th. But WMBD also reports criminal charges against Dutz are also pending in McLean County.
