A local woman has gone from the lecture hall to the lockup after school officials revealed that 17-year-old sophomore “Serenity Reynolds,” was, in fact, 31-year-old Penelope Brown. Brown went to the school for an entire month before being discovered; misleading her teachers, classmates, friends, even the family she was living with. Her trial begins on Tuesday, March 31, where she faces up to 2 years in prison for failure to identify.
Frank and Mona Childs met Brown at their church where she told them that she was 17 years old, homeless and that her parents had died in a car accident. The Childs’ who didn’t have children themselves, had fostered children before.
“When our pastor introduced us to Serenity [Penelope Brown], we were happy to …show more content…
Places changed,” Rifkin said. “I don’t think she would have fabricated this entire story if she didn’t need help. She was even doing well in all her classes. Her teachers said she was a great student.”
The revelation of Brown’s true identity shocked the school community. Brown’s math teacher, Randall Milhoune, like most of the staff, thought Brown was a fine student.
“Serenity or Penelope was a quick learner and a hard worker,” said Milhoune. “All I can say is that she was a good student -- well behaved and courteous, too.”
Some of Brown’s closest friends were in complete disbelief when Brown was arrested. Her best friend, Anne Link, maintains that Brown is not a criminal, and finds it hard to believe that she was faking it at all.
“She was super sweet and a great listener,” Link said. “Maybe somebody bad was after her and she had to hide. She must have had a good reason to lie.”
While awaiting trial, Brown has turned down the opportunity to see Frank and Mona Childs, along with Sandi Rifkin. As it happens, she isn’t talking at all after refusing a 120-day plea deal.
“This case shouldn't take long,” district attorney Lincoln Brown said. “I suspect we will have a verdict after the first day. It’s hard to defend someone who refuses to
Frank and Mona Childs met Brown at their church where she told them that she was 17 years old, homeless and that her parents had died in a car accident. The Childs’ who didn’t have children themselves, had fostered children before.
“When our pastor introduced us to Serenity [Penelope Brown], we were happy to …show more content…
Places changed,” Rifkin said. “I don’t think she would have fabricated this entire story if she didn’t need help. She was even doing well in all her classes. Her teachers said she was a great student.”
The revelation of Brown’s true identity shocked the school community. Brown’s math teacher, Randall Milhoune, like most of the staff, thought Brown was a fine student.
“Serenity or Penelope was a quick learner and a hard worker,” said Milhoune. “All I can say is that she was a good student -- well behaved and courteous, too.”
Some of Brown’s closest friends were in complete disbelief when Brown was arrested. Her best friend, Anne Link, maintains that Brown is not a criminal, and finds it hard to believe that she was faking it at all.
“She was super sweet and a great listener,” Link said. “Maybe somebody bad was after her and she had to hide. She must have had a good reason to lie.”
While awaiting trial, Brown has turned down the opportunity to see Frank and Mona Childs, along with Sandi Rifkin. As it happens, she isn’t talking at all after refusing a 120-day plea deal.
“This case shouldn't take long,” district attorney Lincoln Brown said. “I suspect we will have a verdict after the first day. It’s hard to defend someone who refuses to