2020 Mississippi Code
Title 97 - Crimes
Chapter 35 - Crimes Against Public Peace and Safety
§ 97-35-47. False reporting of crime
It shall be unlawful for any person to report a crime or any element of a crime, including an allegation of child abuse or neglect, to any law enforcement agency or officer, the Department of Child Protection Services, or any officer of any court, by any means, knowing that the report is false. A violation of this section shall be punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed one (1) year or by fine not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or both. In addition to any fine and imprisonment, and upon proper showing made to the court, the defendant shall be ordered to pay as restitution to the law enforcement agency reimbursement for any reasonable costs directly related to the investigation of the falsely reported crime and the prosecution of any person convicted under this section.
A report is false under this section when it is unsupported by any credible evidence and the person intentionally submitted the report knowing it was false.
