PENTICTON — Last Christmas, Jackie Ann Hooper, 45, told media thieves had broken into her home, stealing wrapped presents, valuables and even the turkey.
Now Global Okanagan News has learned that Hooper allegedly fabricated the whole story.
Shortly after Hooper reported the break-in, Penticton RCMP received a tip and discovered she may have lied.
“Things just didn’t add up. There were too many inconsistencies with the report, with statements, from interviewing people,” says Sgt. Rick Dellebuur.
Hooper is a single mother with a teenage son born with a spinal birth defect. Due to the family’s situation, the story of the break-in and theft tugged on the hearts of many.
There was an outpouring of support with people coming in droves with gifts, money and food for Hooper and her son.
Hooper is now charged with falsely reporting an offense.
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When Jennifer Hayes dropped off a gift last December, she was outraged crooks could target the needy family. Now she’s shocked by the allegation it was made up.
“This blows my mind,” says Hayes. “If she did fake it, it is really sad that she is in a situation in life where she felt like she had to fake it, that’s society failing on her too. The whole situation is ugly.”
People were also asked to drop off gifts and money at a downtown convenience store.
We went to Hooper’s home Tuesday but no one answered the door and her cell phone is now disconnected.
Last Christmas, Hooper told Global News she had forgiven the intruders.
“There are circumstances, everybody has something going on in their life right now,” she said.
Perhaps, Hooper was talking about herself.
Her first court appearance is May 27.
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