Overview

• On July 17, the Justice Department charged Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon with conspiracy and making false statements after concluding her kidnapping claim was staged.
• She faces up to five years in prison on each count and is awaiting her initial appearance in federal court in downtown Los Angeles.
• Homeland Security Investigations agents confirmed through surveillance footage of her leaving a Jack in the Box parking lot and telephone records tracking her to Bakersfield that she fabricated the abduction narrative.
• Her daughter’s GoFundMe campaign sought $4,500 based on the alleged kidnapping, fueling local fears of ICE abuses and widespread media attention.
• Officials said the hoax diverted resources that could have been used to seize fentanyl, remove child predators and rescue human trafficking victims.