Two Women Charged in Affton Missing Girl Hoax

Incident triggered major police response and wasted taxpayer resources, prosecutors say.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:48pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered smartphone screen reflecting a faint red and blue police light, conceptually representing the aftermath of a false emergency call.A false emergency report can trigger a costly and dangerous police response, depleting resources from real crises.Clayton Today

The St. Louis County Prosecutor has filed charges against 31-year-old Kayla Williams and 29-year-old Ashley Collins for making a false police report and misusing 9-1-1 after they allegedly fabricated a story about a 5-year-old girl being kidnapped. The hoax triggered a large-scale police response, including an Amber Alert, before authorities determined the child did not actually exist.

Why it matters

Prosecutors say the incident wasted significant taxpayer resources, including overtime pay and the deployment of specialized equipment, while also jeopardizing public safety by diverting emergency responders from potential real emergencies. False reports can undermine public trust in the police and the 9-1-1 system.

The details

According to authorities, Williams and Collins contacted police on Monday morning claiming a 5-year-old girl had been kidnapped during a vehicle theft. This prompted an Amber Alert and mobilized officers from multiple departments, as well as tactical units and air support. However, investigators later determined the child was completely fabricated and the vehicle was found a mile and a half away.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, March 30, 2026.
  • Charges were filed by the St. Louis County Prosecutor on March 31, 2026.

The players

Kayla Williams

A 31-year-old woman charged with making a false police report and misusing 9-1-1.

Ashley Collins

A 29-year-old woman charged with making a false police report and misusing 9-1-1.

Melissa Price Smith

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney who filed charges against Williams and Collins.

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What they’re saying

“Every minute a police officer spends chasing a ghost is a minute they are unavailable for a real victim of violence.”

— Melissa Price Smith, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney

What’s next

Williams and Collins face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 if convicted. Their bond was set at $10,000 each.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious consequences of false police reports, which can waste valuable public resources and undermine public trust in emergency services. Prosecutors are sending a strong message that such hoaxes will be met with criminal charges.