CALGARY -- Details of an alleged crime coupled with a compelling teen claiming to be a victim ultimately wasted countless police resources to investigate, RCMP say.

That's because the 14-year-old Strathmore girl, who accused a group of men of sexually assaulting her in an alley there about midnight Monday, later came forward admitting she fabricated the allegation, RCMP Sgt. Patrick Webb said yesterday.

"She had a good story," he said. "She certainly got herself into a situation where she got committed to the story she created and found it difficult to recant.

"They interviewed and re-interviewed the victim and as time went on she admitted the allegations were false."

Police said they have yet to determine a motive behind the fictitious claim, but think it may have been pay-back for a verbal encounter between the teen and two men.

Webb said the case underscores how damaging false allegations can be.

Not only does it lead to potential criminal charges but can sully the reputation of a community where an alleged crime happens, he said.

It also means authenticity of claims by bonafide victims in future might be questioned by society, Webb said.

There is also the waste of police resources.

In this case, police believing they were faced with "a serious sex assault of a child," wasted no time in trying to find the culprits.

Webb said they called in investigators from Calgary and at one point had as many as 10 working on the file.

Conceivably, the girl, who lives with her family, could face a charge of public mischief.

But Webb said police are still investigating the case and it is possible she will not face criminal charges.

"We are at least satisfied she came forward and didn't let it drag out and possibly lead to the arrest of innocent people," he said.

NADIA.MOHARIB@SUNMEDIA.CA