Woman wants release in fake pregnancy case

ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania woman who allegedly faked a pregnancy then kidnapped a baby to pass it off as her own wants to be released from jail.

In a letter to a Blair County judge, 19-year-old Sherry Beere says she’s changed a lot since her arrest in February, when authorities say she kidnapped a friend’s 1-month-old niece.

The Altoona Mirror reports Beere requested her release so she can get therapy and be placed on medication. President Judge Jolene Kopriva denied Beere’s request Tuesday but says she could reconsider it following a competency exam.

Investigators say Beere faked a pregnancy before absconding with the baby on Feb. 19. Police say Beere returned the child after her friend confronted her, but Beere turned around and called 911 to report her baby had been kidnapped.