Mathew Cooper, an 18 year-old Nazareth HS sophomore, falsely reported that a 7-year-old girl had been abducted at Nazareth Borough Park Sept. 14. At a news conference, Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli announced that Copper has been charged with false reports, a misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison; and disorderly conduct, a summary offense with a 90-day maximum.

Those are the most serious charges that can be filed. Despite some mitigating circumstances indicating that Cooper himself is a troubled young man, Morganelli said criminal sanctions were appropriate because of the significant diversion of police resources to investigate what turned out to be a wild goose chase. State police helicopters assisting in the manhunt for Eric Frein, suspected of ambushing and murdering Pa. State Police CPL Bryon Dickson Sept. 12, where called into Nazareth.

Morganelli stated that at least five police departments, along with the Pa. State Police and the FBI, were involved in the search for a girl who never existed. Dozens of volunteer firefighters and even the Nazareth road crew was involved. Thermal imaging devices, night vision equipment and spotlights were used. Nazareth was in virtual lockdown for several hours.

Cooper admitted he lied the next day, during a state police polygraph.

He did so "to draw attention to his sister," Jacqueline Mae Cooper, whose birthday was that day. Before admitting his lie, Cooper posted a birthday wish for his sister on Facebook.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACQUELINE MAE COOPER, YOUR [sic] ALWAYS IN MY HEART I HAVE NEVER FORGOT ABOUT YOU .AND I NEVER WILL .#FOREVER.ALWAYS"

As a 13-month-old tot, Jacqueline Mae Cooper was pummeled to death in Ohio Oct. 6, 2004. She suffered bruises, broken ribs, a broken ankle, a lacerated liver and a killing blow that snapped her neck. Her feet and cheeks had also been punctured 47 times with a tattoo needle.

Cooper's mother, Vanessa McGlumphy, pleaded to involuntary manslaughter, and was sentenced to prison for 10 years. She was aware of the abuse, but had done nothing to stop it.

The boyfriend, Daniel Duffield, was sentenced to 28 years in prison, following a jury trial. There was some testimony that he may have even sacrificed the child in a bizarre religious ritual as a "black pagan."

News accounts from that period do not indicate whether Mathew Cooper, then 8 years old, was living in that household.

At the news conference, Morganelli stated his office was in the process of confirming the details. But he added that the Ohio murder is "not really relevant to my decision. It's not a good reason to call in an abduction."

Morganelli's charges are by summons. There will be no arrest.