Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
WABC 7's Heidi Jones Pleads Not Guilty To Fake Rape Claim
By
Jen Chung
Published Jan 5, 2011
Modified Jan 5, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Jan 5, 2011
Modified Jan 5, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The WABC 7 weather anchor who allegedly falsely claimed she was raped was in court today to face charges for filing a false police report. Heidi Jones, 37, pleaded not guilty; she faces up to a year behind bars if found guilty of the two misdemeanors. Her lawyer said, "We urge everyone to keep an open mind until the conclusion of the case. This entire thing has been extremely stressful for her," but the Daily News reports that court papers reveal Jones, when confronted by cops, admitted, "I did make this up."
In late November, Jones told the police that she was being stalked by a Hispanic man—and said a few days later that the man had tried to rape her in September, while she was running in Central Park (other parkgoers scared him off). According to one report, she also claimed police refused to take her initial report of the rape, which then prompted Police Commissioner Kelly to call her and apologize. Detectives from the Special Victims Unit were assigned to escort her on her errands, but then police became suspicious when they were trying to investigate the supposed attack.
According to court papers, Jones told the cops, "I did make this up. I made it up for attention. I have so much stress at work, with my personal life and with my family. I know there is no justification for it." She is currently suspended from WABC 7, which is also investigating the matter.
Tagged
fake rape
heidi jones
not guilty
WABC 7
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board
Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 3:52 p.m. ET
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
News
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
By
Catalina Gonella
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .