May 16, 2000
Police say a bizarre crush led to what they call false claims of rape, threatening letters, and even a suspicious package, that wasn't too suspicious after all.
Crime Specialist Karen Scullin explains what's now a criminal investigation.
It all began at the former home of 32-year-old Elizabeth Peterson.
Detectives believe she was trying to win the affections and attention of someone, but going about it in the wrong, and illegal way.
Here's how the investigation started. Last October 7, Peterson allegedly called police and claimed she had been raped. Police arrived to find her handcuffed to the bed. She also said the attacker had cut her neck, and she appeared to have an injury.
Two days later, she called police because she said she found what she thought was the suspect's fingerprint on the wall.
December 13, the defendant's employer called police saying a letter was sent there that appeared to come from the rapist.
January of this year, Peterson called the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office and said she got a suspicious package in the mail. The bomb squad was called out. Inside was a bra, underwear, and a towel Peterson said the rapist used during the initial attack.
February 6, she reported a stalker.
Finally, on February 9, Sheriff's deputies found her tied up inside her home. There was also a knife stuck in the bed.
Sandy police say they were suspicious from the beginning.
Peterson is facing eight counts of tampering with evidence and false claims to police.
Detectives point out the time, effort, and money that went into this still on-going investigation.
