Attempted child abduction faces possible 6.5-year prison sentence, proceedings suspended amid mental health evaluation

During the summons, her defense attorney expressed doubts about her competence

Bail for the Santa Monica woman accused of trying to kidnap an 8-year-old girl and stabbing a man with a knife last week has been set at $135,000 and she faces up to six and a half years in prison, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said.

Courtney Perrone, 39, was charged with attempted kidnapping of a victim under the age of 14, unlawful imprisonment with force and assault with a deadly weapon following the Aug. 21 incident. Perrone allegedly tried to snatch the child from a neighbor before fleeing the scene. He was later found in the parking lot of a nearby convenience store, ABC7 reported.

During her summons, Perrone pleaded not guilty and her lawyer expressed doubts about her legal capacity. As a result, the criminal proceedings were suspended pending an evaluation of her mental health.

The next hearing is scheduled for September 9 at the Hollywood Courthouse.

If convicted, Perrone could face up to six and a half years in prison. Santa Monica police, who are investigating the case, noted that Perrone had previously been arrested out of state and was recently released by the LAPD due to insufficient evidence in a separate case.