Ex-Convict Charged With Pretending to Be Long-Missing Boy

Ex-Convict Charged With Pretending to Be Long-Missing Boy
This undated photo provided by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office in Cincinnati shows Brian Rini. Hamilton County Sheriff's Office via AP
The Associated Press
Updated:

CINCINNATI—A 23-year-old ex-convict accused of pulling a cruel hoax by pretending to be a long-missing Illinois boy was charged Friday with making false statements to federal authorities.

The FBI said Brian Rini had made false claims twice before, portraying himself as a juvenile sex-trafficking victim.