Cherokee Teen Admits Abduction Hoax, Charges Pending
A Cherokee teen who said he was assaulted and kidnapped on Nov. 4 has “admitted to making a false report,” Cherokee police announced Wednesday. Charges were pending against the teen.
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Derick Taylor, 14, told the Cherokee Tribal Police that he was abducted Sunday afternoon from the Elo Hill Community Center.
He used his cell phone to call officers and said he was in a shed. Taylor said he was driven there in a gold-colored vehicle down Aequoni Road but didn't know his exact location.
A nationwide Amber Alert was issued for him Sunday, and nearly 100 emergency personnel were involved in the search.
Taylor told police he was released by his abductors around 7 p.m. Sunday. He said he ran to a nearby gas station, where he called his family.
“The entire investigations division has been working exclusively on this case since receiving the initial report,” police said in a statement. “The investigation included searches for a crime scene, reviewing cell phone information and interviews with friends, family and potential witnesses.”
Charges are pending by investigators and will be handled by Cherokee Tribal Juvenile Services.
Cherokee Police School Resource Officers have been responding to requests from parents and community members to teach Stranger Safety. Officers will also be stressing the seriousness and the consequences of making a false report.
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