Babysitter accused of making up molestation story arrested

BOSSIER PARISH, LA (KSLA) -
Bossier Parish Sheriff's deputies say the woman accused of alleging a father molested his 5-month-old daughter has been arrested.

Carrie Rivers, 32, surrendered to detectives Monday morning.

Deputies say Rivers made a false claim of sexual child abuse against a man.

"Her fake accusation caused an investigation that became quite invasive for the little girl through unnecessary medical testing, involved numerous man hours for law enforcement officers, as well as the temporary removal of the father from the home, all done unnecessarily from her bogus claim," said a statement released last week by the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office.

Detectives say Rivers made up the story to "make the couple mad" when she was told her babysitting services were no longer needed. Authorities say after being let go, Rivers became upset over payment and texted the child's mother alleging the father had molested his young daughter, and she had a photo to prove it.

But authorities say there were no findings of sexual assault on the infant, and when asked to show the picture to detectives, Rivers reportedly said she couldn't find it. Detectives then asked Rivers to come in for an interview and bring her phone so they could retrieve the photo, but authorities say Rivers became uncooperative and said she wouldn't help anymore until she was paid more money for babysitting.

"We take every allegation of child abuse or sexual assault very seriously," said Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington. "Our deputies and detectives will diligently investigate each and every case and make the appropriate charges."

Rivers was booked into the Bossier Maximum Security Facility where she is charged with false swearing - violating public health, unauthorized use of a movable and improper telecommunications and harassment.LINK