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Woman Faces Extortion Charges In Monte Vista Kidnap Case

MONTE VISTA, Colo. (AP) — Monte Vista police say a woman faked her own kidnapping and was arrested after showing up to try to collect a $600 ransom.

Police Chief Jim Grayson said Tuesday Melissa Garcia is facing a criminal extortion charge.

KIDNAP RANSOM map
(credit: CBS)

Grayson said Garcia's family received text messages Monday morning that indicated Garcia was being held captive and would be killed if the ransom was not paid.

Grayson said the woman was arrested when she tried to collect the money after telling relatives someone threatened her. Grayson said no one else was involved.

Police say Garcia was also arrested on warrants charging her with burglary and theft.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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