Sheriff’s Office says Crosby Co. received ‘false statement’ in Ralls kidnapping incident

CROSBY CO., Texas (KCBD) - The Crosby County Sheriff’s Office received a ‘false statement’ regarding the kidnapping of a 16-year-old in Ralls.

Authorities have investigated the claims and determined there was never a threat to the community.

The Crosby County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement:

On January 18, 2023, at approximately 2246hrs, The Crosby County Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Center, received notification of a possible aggravated kidnapping that occurred in the vicinity of State Highway 207 and Farm to Market Road 1471, Crosby County, Texas.

The Crosby County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Swisher County Sheriff’s Office, Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, Floydada Police Department, Lockney Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety worked tirelessly to investigate all leads that would result in the recovery of other alleged victims and the capture of their assailants.

On January 20, 2023, investigators discovered this alleged aggravated kidnapping and human trafficking event did not occur as stated.

Whereas, human trafficking and the safety of our children remain a constant threat to Texans, there is no immediate threat affecting Crosby County and its neighboring counties.

Crosby County Sheriff, Ethan Villanueva, reminds all parents and children to remain vigilant of this threat, and report all suspected criminal activity immediately to law enforcement.

The Crosby County Sheriff’s Office expresses gratitude for the support of our community, our local government leaders, and our local and state law enforcement partners.

This investigation is on-going.

In addition, the Swisher County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement:

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