Formerly missing woman admits to 'faking' pregnancy

In a strange saga that began on April 19, a Nevada teen who was reported missing after having left her residence in Nevada and traveled to a friend's house in the Cass County town of Pleasant Hill, about 75 miles north of Nevada, told officers Tuesday that she had "faked" the pregnancy.

Initially, the 17-year-old, Christin Ross, was reported to be nine months pregnant and missing by her parents, Jimmy and Rosemary Ross of Pleasant Hill.

That report led to a joint investigation by the Pleasant Hill Police Department, the Nevada Police Department, the Cass County Sheriff's Office and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In the initial report to the Pleasant Hill police, Ross' parents stated that "they had received text messages" that Ross was in the hospital and that her baby had no heartbeat, according to a press release from the Pleasant Hill Police Department.

Portions of the text messages led authorities to believe Ross may be a danger to herself so an all-out effort was made to locate her. According to the press release, "Ross was located by Pleasant Hill officers while she was arriving at her parent's residence" in Pleasant Hill and was escorted to the police department for an interview. The press release goes on to say that "Ross was uncooperative with the police investigation, however, appeared to be healthy."

On April 24, Ross was again asked to cooperate in the investigation. She agreed and "an investigating officer would learn from Ross that she had 'faked' the pregnancy for the last nine months," the press release said. Ross also consented to a physical exam to "determine the validity, if any, of a pregnancy."

The press release sums up the findings of the examination this way, "On April 24, 2012, a medical examination by medical professionals occurred. After a review of that medical evaluation and examination, we are confident that there is no reason to continue an investigation."

Ross remains in Pleasant Hill.