American Legion Auxiliary investigating FHP's mock kidnapping

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The president of the American Legion Auxiliary chapter in Florida sent a letter to parents letting them know it is looking into the mock abduction involving state troopers that some said traumatized girls in this year's "Girls State" program, Channel 9's Jeff Deal learned.

The letter said the troopers “conducted an unannounced security training drill in which they staged a mock abduction.” They went on to say that “any action that may be necessary will be taken, and lessons learned into next year’s program.”

Eyewitness News reported last week that investigators with FHP were reviewing the drill and the Girls State program hung up on us.

The program is put on every year by the American Legion Auxiliary to help teen girls across the state become better leaders and better understand government.

Counselor Cameron Carlyle told Eyewitness News that this year’s event turned into a horrible experience after there was a mock abduction involving state troopers.

Leyana Williams, who was in the group of 25 involved in the mock drill, told Eyewitness News that many girls were traumatized.

Williams said the girl who they thought was missing was actually kidnapped by human traffickers years ago.

“I was crying, everybody was crying. I called my mom right after,” Williams said.

Williams said she and her mother have been fighting to keep a similar incident from happening again.

FHP is also conducting its own internal review.

Cox Media Group