Police: Nebraska woman faked attack, charged

Wed. August 22, 2012 7:07 AM by GoPride.com News Staff

charlie rogers

photo credit // lincoln police department
Lincoln, Neb. - Lincoln Police said Tuesday that "the physical evidence conflicted" with a woman's story about a brutal attack - initially considered to be a hate crime.

Charlie Rogers, an out lesbian, told police that three men, wearing ski masks, broke into her home on July 22, tied her up, carved anti-gay slurs into her abdomen and arms, poured gasoline on the floor and set the house on fire.

Police said that "extensive investigation revealed numerous inconsistencies" and Rogers was arrested Tuesday.

"A great deal of time and resources were spent investigating Charlie Rogers' claims in hopes of identifying and arresting the three suspects in this case," Lincoln Police said in a statement. "As the investigation progressed and additional interviews were completed, the department received results from forensic analysts and experts making it apparent that the physical evidence conflicted with Charlie Rogers' version of events."

Rogers attorney says she maintains her innocence. She pleaded not guilty and was released on a personal recognizance bond.

The Nebraska "hate crime," which was the subject of thousands of Facebook posts, triggered responses locally and nationwide.

The 33-year-old Rogers is a former basketball player for the University of Nebraska.

On The Web: Lesbian who alleged Nebraska hate crime charged with lying about attack (NBC News)
 

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