Skip to main content

Batavia teen not abducted, but there's more to the story not yet released

By Howard B. Owens

A 14-year-old Batavia girl who reported a possible abduction on Monday wasn't just fabricating a story to get out of doing her homework, or some other trivial reason.

The police are investigating what happened on Monday morning.

A release from the Batavia Police last night led to a report on The Batavian that said the girl involved was being investigated and the case might be turned over to the county attorney.

A police spokesman says the report was more artfully worded than that.

The key sentence in the report: "At this time, the cause of the report is being investigated, and once completed, will be referred to the Genesee County Attorney for any further appropriate action."

Det. Rich Schauf said this afternoon that the girl wasn't abducted, and "it wasn't a stranger."

He said she's a 14-year-old girl dealing with something she didn't know how to deal with. He said the police could not release right now any further details.

Autumn Connolly

If someone is having a problem with something then why fabricate a story as crazy as this? She could have gone to the teacher or police officer before her lie got out of control. I wouldnt be able to trust what she had to say after this. I am sorry but I am having trouble feeling sorry for her.

May 19, 2010, 7:17pm Permalink
Lori Silvernail

<If someone is having a problem with something then why fabricate a story as crazy as this?>

Because she's 14. And again, we don't know if she was threatened or anything. Whatever happened to "innocent until proven guilty?" I hope she is alright, too, Liz.

May 19, 2010, 7:29pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I've never been a teenage girl, but I have been a teenager. I know I didn't always think clearly at 14. It's not logical to apply adult standards of reasoning to a teenager. That's why that we have laws to protect teenagers, especially young teens and children, from poor decisions that don't necessarily apply to adults.

Based on my conversation with Schauf today, I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.

It's a reminder not to jump to conclusions when not all of the facts are available.

May 19, 2010, 7:37pm Permalink
Autumn Connolly

No one jumped to conclusions she still did a very dumb thing no matter if there are other circumstances. How are you suppose to teach kids to be adults if you cant teach and have them follow adult standards. Maybe that is what is wrong with kids today. They are teenagers so they wont get into trouble.(that is how most teens think)There is no respect or common courtesy from them. Are these Adult standards that they don't have to follow either? It's like lowering the bar for teens allows them not have to grow up. I feel bad that she has to learn the hard way how life works but she will learn and grow from this and hopefully move on to great things. It is one big learning experience.

May 19, 2010, 11:58pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Autumn, we all jumped to conclusions -- me included. When we heard police say she made up the abduction story, we assumed she did it for some trivial reason (go back and read the comments). The "Jump to Conclusions" game was in full progress on the first post or two.

I see no evidence in the comments that anybody stopped to consider that this might be a "where there's smoke, there's fire" sort of case.

Even in your comment above, your "jump to conclusion" is that there has been some sort of bar lowered and that maybe there isn't something more serious going on here than just falsely reporting an abduction.

May 20, 2010, 12:50am Permalink
Autumn Connolly

My rough up bringing has made my cynical. Everything from drug addicted parents, molestation, rape, and my own drug use and recovery I just cant imagine what could be happening for her to claim such a thing.

May 20, 2010, 5:32am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

As John Zola said, everybody's situation is different.

As Elvis sang, "walk a mile in my shoes."

We all react to things differently. Some people do this, while others do that.

May 20, 2010, 7:31am Permalink
Karen Miconi

To the 14yr. old girl, Just level with Officer Schauf. If you were with adults, say on State St., tell him. The truth will set you free. If you are afraid, the ones you were with will retaliate, dont worry, you have protection. Maybe the people you were with, weren't so good for you. Your 14 hunny, not an adult. Chalk this up to a good lesson, and make good on this. An apology, along with the truth to Officer Schauf is the right thing to do.
Does anyone remember the bride that disapeared before her wedding? Does anyone remember the whirlwind of police and family looking for her? The news channels thinking she was abducted? Did they nail her to the cross?(no) She was an adult, and got away with it. Hmm

This is a young girl, who made one of many foolish mistakes in her life. I agree there should be some kind of punishment, but my views are not as cut-throat as Autumn's. Sweety you seem bitter, maybe you weren't given the support, and forgiveness you needed when you were a teen(I don't know). I have raised 3 daughters, my 28yr. old "always focused and well behaved", my 19yr. old "A Rebel Without a Cause" in school, and my 11yr. old "shy girl that is kind and quiet". Been there Done that, and with love forgiveness, and understanding.. Unconditional.....Oh and being known as the "Stalker Mom" A title I am Proud Of.

May 20, 2010, 12:55pm Permalink
Jenna LaBarbera

Why should a 14 year old little girl have to make a public apology -- she did not make a mistake, she went to the right people for help -- NO ONE knows what happened to this poor girl. I've heard there is much more to this story, so everyone should keep their narrow-minded opinions to themselves. We may never know exactly what happened, and frankly, it's none of our business.

May 20, 2010, 10:21am Permalink
Autumn Connolly

When she lied it made it everyone's business. I not saying she is a bad person but she should right a wrong. I don't think a public apology is a good idea. Protect what is left of her privacy. I can imagine she might be feeling pretty bad about it. Maybe probation so then she will have that safe person to talk to if she is having problems she needs help with. It will also give her a little more structure if that is what she is lacking family wise. Some one to check in on her.

May 20, 2010, 12:38pm Permalink
patricia armstrong

It'a all of our business!This is a web-site that enables us to voice our opinons. She did make a mistake by bringing a whole race of peolpe in to her lie that had nothing to do with this. Their is probably more to this story, but when do we start teaching our children to take responsibility for their actions.It's the parents that need to step in and do some serious parenting.

May 20, 2010, 6:51pm Permalink

Authentically Local