Florida Woman Sentenced After Falsely Reporting Attack at Ohio Park
A 32-year-old woman who falsely claimed she was attacked by two men in Silver Creek Metro Park, Ohio, was sentenced Thursday, following an investigation that revealed her report was fabricated. The woman, now residing in Florida, was ordered to pay fines and court costs totaling $169. She received no jail time but was given a suspended 180-day sentence, contingent on her staying crime-free for the next two years.
The case stems from a July 28 incident, during which the woman, Victoria Campbell, reported that two men had assaulted her on the Chippewa Trail at Silver Creek Metro Park. She alleged that the attackers had thrown an unknown substance on her legs, resulting in severe burns. Campbell was taken to the hospital where her injuries were treated.
Summit Metro Parks rangers, along with Norton police and the State Fire Marshal’s Office, launched an investigation into the claims. On August 1, authorities announced that Campbell’s injuries had been self-inflicted and the attack had been fabricated. She was subsequently charged with making false alarms and inducing panic, both first-degree misdemeanors.
Campbell, who pleaded guilty in Barberton Municipal Court, has also been barred from returning to Summit County Metro Parks. Additionally, she was ordered to continue counseling through the Veterans Administration, an arrangement tied to her sentencing.
The park incident stirred initial concern among local residents, but officials have since clarified that no ongoing threat exists. In their statement, Summit Metro Parks emphasized the importance of truthful reporting to ensure public safety.
As part of her sentence, Campbell must avoid committing any crimes over the next two years to prevent serving jail time. The case highlights the legal consequences of false reporting and its impact on public resources.
For individuals struggling with mental health issues or self-harm, resources such as the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline are available at 988.
