UPDATE:
Aja Nicole Koseki, 35, was reportedly in the downtown area last Thursday for a job interview when she made a false kidnapping report, according to Gainesville Police Lieutenant Kevin Holbrook.
Koseki was arrested Tuesday afternoon in Gainesville at around 3:00 p.m. at the Motel 6 on Monroe Drive. Police report she was arrested without incident and was transported to the Gainesville Police Department. From there, she will later be taken to the Hall County jail.
Officials are looking into the possible motive of Koseki’s false claims. They are reportedly working with a mental health clinician unit, but Holbrook said the motive remains unclear at this time.
As of 6:41 p.m. Monday:
The Gainesville Police Department Monday evening announced charges against a Gainesville woman who made false kidnapping claims Thursday.
Aja Nicole Koseki, 35, allegedly made false accusations to Gainesville Police on May 18 on the Downtown Square in Gainesville. After the claims initially came in, police began an investigation using “high-tech digital evidence” and security cameras. Through these means, police were able to track Koseki during her time in the downtown area.
The kidnapping report sparked false public fear and panic, according to officials.
Koseki has allegedly been charged with felony making false statements, felony causing false public alarm and false report of a crime.
Many local residents took to social media after the false reports, spreading the news further and creating more panic, police wrote Monday. The department encouraged locals to look toward verified sources of information, following that up with a commitment to provide information to the public any time it involves public safety.
An edit was made to more accurately reflect the names of those involved in the incident.
