Mother arrested on filing false report in alleged kidnapping in Deville

 UPDATE: On July 28, 2015, at approximately 11:35 a.m., Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office deputies responded to Downs Drive in Deville in reference to an alleged kidnapping.

Detectives from the Deville Sub-station and Tioga Sub-station also responded to the scene and upon their arrival, began the investigation.

During the course of this investigation, detectives gathered enough evidence to determine the alleged kidnapping never occurred and the complaint was false.

The complainant, Ashley Ballard, 24, was subsequently placed under arrest for Filling a False Police Report. Ballard was transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center and booked. Bond has been set at $250.00.

Detectives say the investigation is still ongoing.

“We appreciate the overwhelming response of the public through our Facebook page and the response from the Deville community” said Sheriff William Earl Hilton. “Any time a case involves the safety of a child, our deputies will go to whatever lengths it takes to keep the child safe and the citizens of Rapides Parish always come to our aid. For that, you have our thanks.”

Sheriff Hilton would also like to thank the Deville Volunteer Fire Department and Acadian Ambulance for their assistance in this case.