Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Jackie Hooper with her son after reporting the theft

A Penticton single mother who reported a thief stole food and gifts from her home, days before last Christmas, may have been lying.

Castanet has learned from court records that Jackie Hooper has been charged with reporting an offence committed when it was not.

In late December, Hooper reported the theft took place from the home she shared with her 13-year-old son on Atkinson Street.

At the time she said she and her son were out shopping, when he grew tired and the two returned home.

When they arrived, Hooper said she sensed something was wrong when she tried to open the door and the chain was across it.

She subsequently called the police. Among the items taken, she said, were two laptops, a TV, her son's Christmas gifts and their food hamper, including a turkey from St Vincent De Paul.

The police did an investigation and the theft was posted on social media.

Soon after, people began responding to the family's plight. Donations poured in from friends, staff at her son's school and others in the community.

At the time, Hooper described being overwhelmed.

 "I would never have thought so many people would help," she said. "There's so much stuff, even a poinsettia and Christmas bread, which I've never had before."

The RCMP could not be immediately reached for comment on the charge.

Hooper is slated for a court appearance on the matter on May 27.