LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A South Los Angeles woman who claimed she was abducted by immigration agents has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of conspiracy and making false statements.
Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon, 41, appeared in court Friday and entered the plea during her arraignment. Her trial is scheduled to begin on October 21, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The charges stem from allegations that Calderon fabricated a story about being kidnapped by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. In a press conference held on June 30, an attorney representing her family claimed Calderon had been taken from a Jack in the Box parking lot in downtown Los Angeles and transported to San Ysidro, where she was presented with voluntary deportation paperwork. The attorney said she refused to sign and requested to speak with a judge and lawyer, after which she was allegedly abused and held in a warehouse.
The incident sparked media attention and prompted fear in the local community. Calderon’s daughter also launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking $4,500, claiming her mother had been “taken by masked men in an unmarked vehicle.”
However, federal prosecutors allege the entire story was fabricated to gain public sympathy and solicit donations. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, there was no evidence Calderon was taken by ICE or any other law enforcement agency.
In July, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a strong statement denouncing the claims, calling them a hoax aimed at discrediting immigration enforcement. The department said Calderon’s actions diverted critical resources away from actual enforcement efforts.
“Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon was never arrested or kidnapped by ICE or bounty hunters — this criminal illegal alien scammed innocent Americans for money and diverted limited DHS resources,” the statement read.
On July 3, while Calderon was still reportedly missing, federal agents confirmed she was not in immigration custody and began searching for her. Two days later, she was located in a shopping center parking lot in Bakersfield.
Despite being found safe, prosecutors say Calderon continued to claim she had been abducted. Surveillance footage and phone records reportedly contradicted her story, showing her leaving the Jack in the Box parking lot on her own and entering a nearby vehicle.
Authorities also allege that Calderon staged photos to make it appear she had been rescued after abuse while in federal custody, with plans to present them at a press conference on July 6 to further boost donations.
Prosecutors say Calderon and her family did not come forward during the search, even though they were aware law enforcement was looking for her.
If convicted on both counts, Calderon could face up to 10 years in federal prison.
Attorneys who held the initial press conference have not responded to requests for comment.