2003 Media Releases:

CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
VINCENT P. SARUBBI, CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA   INFORMATION

March 17, 2003

Camden County Prosecutor Vincent P. Sarubbi and Pennsauken Police Chief John Coffey reported that a Philadelphia man was charged today with causing a False Public Alarm and related offenses for allegedly falsely reporting a child abduction in Pennsauken, N.J. The report triggered activation of the Amber Alert child abduction response network administered by the New Jersey State Police.

David Williams, M/21, of the 6600 block of North 18th Street in Philadelphia, was also charged with Filing a False Police Report. Each of the charges carries a maximum term of five years in New Jersey State Prison. In addition, Williams is charged with Resisting Arrest for allegedly fighting with police officers when he was charged. The Resisting charge carries a maximum 18-month prison term.

The investigation indicates that Williams, posing as a woman, met an unidentified man in Northeast Philadelphia at approximately 10 a.m. today and agreed to perform a sex act in exchange for money. The man drove them in his vehicle to New Jersey, where they stopped at a Pennsauken gas station. While Williams was making a purchase in the station's mini-mart, the vehicle drove off, the investigation indicates.

The investigation further indicates that Williams then falsely reported to a police officer that the driver had left with a 2-year-old child whom Williams claimed had been left in his custody. The report resulted in the initiation of an Amber Alert at 11:42 a.m. today.

It was subsequently determined that Williams had made up the story regarding the child to give officers incentive to find the vehicle, in which Williams had apparently left some personal items.

The Amber Alert was cancelled at approximately 1 p.m.

Williams was placed in the Camden County Correctional Facility in lieu of $18,500 bail.

"The Amber Alert system plays a critically important role in the ongoing effort by law enforcement to safeguard our most precious and most vulnerable citizens, our children," Sarubbi said. "The conduct alleged in this case is shocking. To abuse this system endangers its future effectiveness and thereby further endangers real victims."

Sarubbi praised the Pennsauken Police Department and the Child Abuse Unit of the Prosecutor's Office for their quick response and sound judgment in handling the incident.


All persons charged with criminal offenses are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.