At fist, I was disappointed that authorities were apparently planning to ignore the charade that the Duluth, Ga., runaway bride constructed to avoid getting married, given that she allegedly lied to authorities about her abduction. New Mexico authorities still appear willing to let the matter slide, but hometown police are weighing either a misdemeanor or felony charge connected with her disappearance.
I think she should be prosecuted, if only receiving a minimal sentence, for the couple of hours she maintained her kidnapping story. She should be required to compensate New Mexico and the FBI for costs investigating her kidnapping.
But beyond that, how much is she responsible for the costs of finding her? Doesn’t she have the right to disappear? Some might argue that leaving her wallet and other personal belongings behind might make authorities suspect foul play. But doesn’t she have that right to disappear in any fashion she wants? Do we have the legal responsibility of notifying police that we are safe fugitives from our life?
Most of the money was apparently spent by Georgia authorities who assumed foul play because of the abruptness of her departure. But police often ignore parents of runaway teens who have similar concerns. She may not have known about the national attention her disappearance attracted, but even if she did, what duty does she have to disabuse the world of that notion?