MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Uvalde Foundation For Kids confirmed Saturday it had formally withdrawn all resources, including a reward offer, after the Amber Alert for 17-year-old Caden Speight was canceled Thursday.
The decision follows law enforcement reports suggesting the entire incident, which triggered a multi-agency search, may have been fabricated by the teen.
Foundation officials said they could pursue charges against Speight if it is confirmed the report was intentionally false.
The foundation became involved after Speight was reported missing from Marion County under circumstances initially described as a shooting and kidnapping.
In line with its mission to aid missing and endangered children, the organization offered a monetary reward, mobilized volunteer search teams, and dedicated personnel to check public locations including state parks, gas stations, and restaurants.
The foundation said it also used its specialized school threat assessment database to monitor social media and online activity related to Speight’s disappearance.
Investigators later uncovered evidence, including surveillance footage of Speights purchasing a bicycle and camping gear, indicating the initial story may have been fabricated.
The foundation said it immediately ceased involvement and redirected its resources to verified emergencies.
Daniel Chapin, founder of the Uvalde Foundation, said the incident highlighted the consequences of false reports.
“The resources and time we dedicate to finding a missing child are sacred, and we act on the highest presumption of danger when an Amber Alert is issued,” Chapin said. “This case tragically demonstrates the profound cost of a false report. We wasted countless volunteer hours, expended funds on a reward and extensive search efforts, and utilized our sophisticated school threat database.”
Chapin added that the foundation will seek formal charges if authorities confirm the incident was a “deliberate hoax.”
Florida law allows for criminal charges in such cases. Under Florida Statute 817.49, knowingly filing a false report can be a first-degree misdemeanor, or a third- or second-degree felony if the false report leads to serious injury or death.
The statute allows penalties for giving false information in alleged capital felonies, including up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Courts can also require restitution for costs incurred by law enforcement.
Authorities said Speight has been safely located.
They initially reported he might have been abducted by four Hispanic males but later determined that claim to be false.
Officials have not disclosed what led to his disappearance.
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