Charlie Rogers, 33, has been charged with making
false claims to police about an alleged
homophobic attack. She pleaded not guilty to the charge on
Tuesday.
She claimed that three men broke into her house wearing ski masks
on 22nd July. According to Rogers, the men tied her up, carved
anti-gay slurs into her skin and set fire to her house. She
revealed her identity soon after the allegations to challenge those
who doubted her story after no suspects had been found.
A warrant was issued for her arrest after detectives found
inconsistencies in her version of events.
The attack, as she described it, did not match with her injuries.
According to the arrest warrant, the injuries she received appear
to be self-inflicted, and were described by forensic pathologist
Dr. Michelle Elieff as 'superficial and symmetrical'.
Rogers was apparently identified as purchasing gloves, zip ties,
blades and a red utility knife five days before the attack.
The warrant also said there was DNA forensic evidence that
contradicted the allegations Roger had made.
Her lawyer, Brett McArthur, said she maintains that the attack did
take place, according to the Associated Press.
If convicted, Rogers could face up to one year in jail and/or a
$1,000 fine, the Lancaster County Attorney's office said.
Although the City of Lincoln Police Department said this
case 'will not impact our trust of crime victims', the story could
lead to mistrust from the public for future alleged hate crimes.
'Srich' left a comment on the report published online by
NBCnews.com: "Such an elaborate story. What a shame that she set
her own cause back many steps."
