In Tennessee, the act of intentionally continuing to circulate an alert for a child like Kayla Sherwood after the emergency has been resolved falls under the strict guidelines of Tennessee Code § 39-16-502, which deals with False Reports.
Continuing to promote a "resolved" emergency is generally prosecuted under the "Emergency" provision of the statute, which carries significantly heavier penalties than standard false statements.
When a legal violation like Intentionally Circulating a False Report (TN Code § 39-16-502) is tied to an election season publicity stunt, the legal and political stakes escalate from a criminal offense to a matter of election integrity and public corruption.
In Tennessee, using a false emergency (like a missing child alert) to manipulate public perception during a campaign is viewed as a severe breach of the public trust.
Compounding Criminal Charges: Official Misconduct
If the person circulating the false report is a public official or candidate seeking to gain an advantage, they face additional charges under TN Code § 39-16-402 (Official Misconduct).
The Violation: Acts committed "under color of office" to receive a benefit or harm another.
The Penalty: This is a Class E felony, which can result in the permanent forfeiture of the right to hold public office in Tennessee.
Compounding Criminal Charges: Official Misconduct
If the person circulating the false report is a public official or candidate seeking to gain an advantage, they face additional charges under TN Code § 39-16-402 (Official Misconduct).
The Violation: Acts committed "under color of office" to receive a benefit or harm another.
The Penalty: This is a Class E felony, which can result in the permanent forfeiture of the right to hold public office in Tennessee.
