Rachael Mattice Pleads Not Guilty to Falsely Reporting Her Abduction

Rachael Mattice, the Johnstown woman accused of lying about being kidnapped has pleaded not guilty. She was in Mayfield Town Court on charges of falsely reporting an abduction and faces a year in jail, a $1000 fine or both according to the Times Union.

Mattice's lawyer Robert Abdella spoke to the press, including the Times Union, outside the courthouse. "I ask everyone to reserve judgment. This is obviously a very difficult time for the family. They are very upset, obviously."

The family, trying to avoid the press, pushed a camera manout of the way, before driving away.

Mattice returned home after being missing almost 2 weeks. She claimed she was kidnapped by a bearded man and escaped.

The search for Mattice involved more than 100 police officers, rangers and volunteers. State Police Major William Keeler told the Times Union the search cost “deep in the six-figures.”

[The Times Union]