SOUTH LA WOMAN ACCUSED OF FABRICATING ICE KIDNAPPING PLEADS NOT GUILTY

Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon, 41, pleaded not guilty to federal charges of conspiracy and making false statements after prosecutors say she fabricated a kidnapping by ICE agents. Authorities allege a July press conference and a GoFundMe appeal were staged to generate sympathy, solicit donations and to malign immigration enforcement. Surveillance footage and phone records reportedly contradict her account; prosecutors say she was located in Bakersfield and was never in ICE custody. DHS issued a statement denying the kidnapping and called the claims a smear on law enforcement. A trial date was set for Oct. 21, and if convicted on both counts she faces up to 10 years in prison.