Nationwide — Brya Hardy, an 18-year-old woman from Coweta County, Georgia, was arrested after investigators say she deceived an ex-boyfriend into paying $7,000 in child support for a baby that was not hers and not his.
The Coweta County Sheriff’s Office said Hardy was taken into custody around the New Year and charged with theft by deception. The investigation began in December after her former boyfriend contacted authorities.
According to Fox 5 Atlanta, Hardy approached the man and claimed he was the father of her baby. She allegedly demanded child support, and the man made multiple payments that eventually totaled $7,000.
As the case unfolded, investigators confirmed there was a baby involved, but the child did not belong to Hardy. Authorities also determined the baby was not related to the ex-boyfriend in any way.
While fraudulent child support requests are not uncommon, investigators said the use of another person’s child made this case unusual. The sheriff’s office now wants to ensure no other individuals were targeted in a similar way.
Anyone who has information about the case or believes they may have had dealings with Brya Hardy is encouraged to contact the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office.