YouTuber Calum McSwiggan Charged with Filing a False Report

Calum McSwiggan, a YouTuber who runs a channel involved with LGBT issues, was arrested Wednesday June 29th and charged with filing a false police report. According to police, McSwiggan called to report an alleged assault early Monday morning that took place outside a popular West Hollywood bar. McSwiggan stated that one individual punched him, while two others proceeded to kick him while he was down. Officers arrived quickly on the scene, but something didn’t seem right with the story.

According to McSwiggan, he was hit multiple times, though officers on the scene couldn’t locate any injuries on his body. In McSwiggan’s explanation, he damaged the rear-view mirror of a nearby vehicle out of anger, prompting officers to arrest him at 2:30 am under suspicion of vandalism. He was booked on one count of vandalism of property with a value greater than $400, and held in lieu of $20,000 bail. While in custody in a single-occupant cell, McSwiggan was observed hitting himself in the head repeatedly with the handle of a payphone. According to McSwiggan, he was “attempting to be sent to the hospital because it was the only way he could get out of jail.” To officers, though, it appeared he was trying to create physical evidence of the assault he allegedly endured.

McSwiggan was released at 9:15 pm with a citation to appear in court. He will be facing one count of filing a false police report.

Filing a false report is covered under California Penal Code 148.5 PC and makes it illegal to report a crime that didn’t actually take place. An individual can be charged with violating 148.5 PC if they make the report to police officers, a grand jury, a prosecutor or to anyone authorized to receive reports of a crime (such as 911 operators).

Violating 148.5 PC is a misdemeanor, and the penalties include up to 6-months in county jail.

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Robin Sandoval

Robin Sandoval is a California Licensed Bail Bondsman and owner of SCV Bail Bonds. Robin writes blogs and articles to help increase community awareness of the bail industry. If you have questions or want to suggest a topic, email robin@scvbailbonds.com, visit www.scvbailbonds.com or call 661-299-2245.

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Robin Sandoval

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