CROSBY COUNTY, Texas — The Swisher County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that “a false statement’ was made about a kidnapping that was claimed in Ralls, Texas, according to a press release posted on social media on Friday.
Officials said on Thursday that a kidnapping investigation was underway based on information from Crosby County.
“During this investigation, we have exhausted every lead and feel very confident in our ability to advise the community that at no time was there any threat to any citizen of Swisher County, or citizens of neighboring counties regarding this incident,” the press release stated.
See below for more details.
The following is a press release from the Swisher County Sheriff’s Office:
On January 20, 2023, at 10:20 AM, we received a phone call advising us of events that have come forth during this investigation. It was discovered that a false statement was made to Crosby County Sheriff’s Office regarding a kidnapping incident in Rails, Texas.
During this investigation, we have exhausted every lead and feel very confident in our ability to advise the community that at no time was there any threat to any citizen of Swisher County, or citizens of neighboring counties regarding this incident. We know that evil exists in our world today, and we are grateful for the amount of support we have received from the community in the last two days.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents, friends, and the community to remain vigilant in the safeguarding of our children. If anybody has any concerns regarding this issue, feel free to contact the Sheriffs Office. I would like to also thank the law enforcement partners of this community who assisted us without any hesitation including the Tulia Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Kress Police Department.
The following is a press release from the Crosby County Sheriff’s Office:
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.
Thank you.
End of release
