The Macomb County Sheriff's Office says the girl who reported being thrown into the Clinton River by an intoxicated man on June 22 was lying.
According to original reports, the girl and her step brother told deputies that an intoxicated man walking on the boardwalk picked her up and threw her into the river. Deputies found and arrested a 48-year-old Mt. Clemens man who was later charged with felonious assault in the case.
After an independent witness came forward and deputies conducted more interviews with the family, the Macomb County Sheriff's Office determined the incident did not happen as it was reported.
The girl, according to new information, was swimming in the river when the man fell in and accidentally hit her. We're told because she was angry over losing an earring, her and her 14-year-old step brother fabricated the story.
Deputies also discovered that the girl is 9 years old and not 13 years old like she told police.
The Macomb County Sheriff's Office is now asking that charges against 48-year-old Frank Smoger be dismissed. The sheriff's office is also exploring juvenile charges for the pair for filing a false report.
