Hoax Mom's Dad Charged In Photog Attack

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. - The father of a Bucks County woman who faked her abduction and fled with her daughter to Disney World is facing charges for allegedly scuffling with cameramen outside the courtroom.

66-year-old William Siner of Milton, Del. was charged Thursday with three counts of simple assault and two counts of disorderly conduct.

Authorities say he attacked three TV cameramen, including Fox 29 photographers, on Aug. 27 after Bonnie Sweeten pleaded guilty to charges of identity theft and making false reports to police. The incident was captured on video. (Watch by clicking the media player on the left.)

"Certainly, one can appreciate how emotions would run high during a sentencing, especially one that involves a family member. But nonetheless, this was clearly unacceptable behavior and he went after three people that were simply there to do their job," said Bucks County District Attorney Michelle Henry.

Sweeten was sentenced last Thursday to nine to 24 months in prison after admitting she called 911 on May 26 and said she and her daughter had been kidnapped by two black men. She still faces a federal theft investigation.

A preliminary hearing for Siner is scheduled for Sept. 11.