DA: Kennett Square Halloween Candy Needle Scare 'Unfounded'
KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. (CBS) - After an investigation, officials in Chester County say there was no tainted Halloween candy in Kennett Square, the reported incidents turned out to be hoaxes.
Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan says they took the reports of needles in candy seriously, and immediately put a warning out to the community as they started the investigation.
While digging through a dumpster where some of the candy was thrown away, he says detectives found a spool of thread.
"Which immediately raised the question as to whether or not the child had taken the needles from a home sewing kit and had put the needles into the candy bar herself."
When detectives talked to the 11-year-old again, she admitted to doing it herself after an adult showed her a picture urging her to be safe while trick-or-treating.
A 12-year-old boy admitted he heard reports of tainted candy and imitated what he'd heard. Hogan says the families of the children have been very cooperative, and punishment will be handled by parents.
He reiterates Chester County and Kennett Square remain safe places for families and children.