Teresa Culpepper Jailed By Atlanta Police For 53 Days Because Of First Name Mix-Up (VIDEO)

An Atlanta woman spent 53 days behind bars because she has the same first name as a woman wanted by police for aggravated assault.

Teresa Culpepper says she was wrongly detained in Fulton County Jail because she shares the name Teresa with an assault suspect, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

“Her birth date didn't match. Her address didn't match. Her description didn't match. Other than the name Teresa, nothing matched,” said Ashleigh Merchant, Culpepper’s attorney.

The case of mistaken identity began when Culpepper called police after her truck had been stolen on Aug. 21, according to WSB-TV. When officers arrived, she was taken into custody on an aggravated assault charge.

Culpepper remained behind bars until Oct. 12, when the victim of the attack stated in court that Culpepper wasn't the perpetrator.

WTSB managed to find a woman who says she is the Teresa wanted by police in the assault. She says she has not been arrested.

Atlanta police have reportedly started an internal investigation into Culpepper's detention. Culpepper's attorney told the station that the city must either settle or face a lawsuit.

Comments

[kmeccat]

08:11 PM on 10/23/2011

Well....on the bright side, it looks like she'll have enough money after her suit is settled to replace that truck she had stolen (which these same police never bothered to file)....
Keystone Cops Georgia style!

[kerao]

04:59 PM on 10/23/2011

Her eyes are so hot like molden lava engulfed with a rage so powerful it could blow up the sun. I think she's a little upset. I can't believe they just arrested her because her name was Teresa. Then adding insult to injury she was reporting her truck stolen. I bet they didn't even look into that. I'd get that old lady lawyer that represents scorned women everywhere. I can't remember her name. Albright something......

[Smithn]

09:03 PM on 10/22/2011

This reminds me of Clint Eastwood's 2008 true story 'Changeling' Movie It has a very satisfying resolution to the police cover up aspect. Angelina Jolie is great in it.

[Tracee Collins]

11:47 AM on 10/22/2011

THIS was not "mistaken identity". THIS was a stubborn refusal to do the right thing! THIS, hopefully, will mean the end of some LE idiot's career, and a nice little nest egg for this woman, from whom they STOLE 53 days!!

[freddiefingers]

10:46 AM on 10/22/2011

$1,000 for each day she was held seems fair

[mgj1954]

06:54 PM on 10/21/2011

And there you have it, the ga police and court system at its finest.< sarcasm >

[2manchew]

04:55 PM on 10/21/2011

this is great. now the police can close all the old case files that are still open. Just look for the same first name in the phone book and you have the perp. Todays execution features Mike, John, and Tim.

[Timothy Ven]

03:10 PM on 10/23/2011

Guess I better not go to Georgia today then

[jjphoto]

10:10 AM on 10/21/2011

I work with a black female named Teresa in Shreveport. It could be her. Seriously, if I made a wrongful citizen's arrest, it's called kidnapping. Cops need less authority and less leeway. Not more. No public official should have the arbitrary power to ruin your life just on their word. There should be SERIOUS due process before an American's freedom is taken away, but we turn our heads while the poor are treated this way. And this isn't a black thing. Poor whites are mistreated and brutalized also. In my town a white woman was beaten bloody and left in a pool of blood while in custody. Most cops only face loss of employment, not loss of freedom for these crimes.

[Steven Johnston]

06:41 PM on 10/20/2011

AFTER SHE SUES THE COPS WILL BE GIVING HER A HARD TIME AFTER THAT BECAUSE SHE SUED THEM

[Mamadea]

03:38 AM on 10/21/2011

Nope, America and the world sees this story.

The last thing they will do is harass her. They want this story to go away.

[freddiefingers]

10:48 AM on 10/22/2011

True. She probably wouldn't even get a speeding ticket at this point out of fear of her claiming harrassment.

[mother10]

06:07 PM on 10/20/2011

add make up and a very nice weave or wig and she looks just like that ATLANTA HOUSEWIFE CHIC THAT WANTS TO BE AN ACTRESS...smile

[radarloveu2]

05:09 PM on 10/20/2011

Wow

[jessicadevyn]

04:35 PM on 10/20/2011

Brilliant police work! I hope she sues for a lit of money.

[Aleks Hunter]

02:47 PM on 10/20/2011

I thought Herman Cain declared that there was no racism holding anyone back in America. Isn't he from Georgia? He better hope no middle aged black man named Herman or Herb commits any crimes when he goes home.

[radarloveu2]

05:10 PM on 10/20/2011

lol

[kerao]

04:49 PM on 10/23/2011

I think Herman Cain has been smoking too many crushed red pepper from his pizza. He reminds me of a family member that's a know it all, then when he makes a mistake it's because he only was misunderstood. If this guy gets into office we are all doomed and will be wearing pizza outfits along with hats that say "Herman". I do not know how he got into the elections. I'm just waiting for Candid Camera to come out of the bushes....

[Yorksgal]

01:54 PM on 10/20/2011

Not only digusting, but very disturbing.

[MoeB]

01:37 PM on 10/20/2011

This is incredibly horrific. This woman calls the cops because her CAR WAS STOLEN, and as a result, she ends up in jail for 53 days???? WTF?

[Mamadea]

03:39 AM on 10/21/2011

Now we know why blk American's don't go to the police for help.