Leona Chewing pleads guilty to prank 911 call on her Obama-Phone of a person in distress in Lake Michigan

A 24-year-old woman pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to a phony call about a person drowning in Lake Michigan, a prank that will cost her nearly $20,000 and possible prison time.

Leona Chewing pleaded guilty to calling 911 on Feb. 4, 2013, at about 9 p.m. to report a person in distress after falling into Lake Michigan near Rogers Beach Park on the North Side, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.

That call caused the U.S. Coast Guard and other first responders to launch a search and rescue operation that prosecutors say cost authorities more than $13,000.

The Coast Guard said it launched a boat with an ice and rescue team from its Wilmette Harbor station and a helicopter from a station in Michigan. The Chicago Fire Department sent its boat and a diver entered the water, a statement from prosecutors said.

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