Pa. mom charged with feigning abduction, taking daughter to Disney, waives evidence hearing

Pa. woman charged in abduction hoax waives hearing

RICHBORO, Pa. — A suburban Philadelphia woman accused of faking her abduction and taking her daughter to Disney World is waiving her right to a preliminary hearing.

Bonnie Sweeten remains free on $1 million bail after turning down the opportunity to challenge the evidence against her during a brief court appearance Monday. Her lawyer says she has sought mental-health treatment and is recovering.

Authorities say the 38-year-old called 911 from a cell phone last month and said she and her daughter had been carjacked and locked in the trunk of a Cadillac. That prompted a frantic FBI search that ended when they were found safe at Disney World.

Police also are investigating whether Sweeten stole money from a family member or others, but no related charges have been filed.