An ISU alumna was charged with a serious misdemeanor after Ames police said she falsely reported to authorities she was sexually assaulted in her home.

Sara Palmersheim was charged with filing a false report to the Ames Police Department on Jan. 9, said Ames Police Cmdr. Jim Robinson.

Robinson said a woman reported that someone had broken into her home and assaulted her at about 3 a.m. The woman said she received a laceration on her arm.

Robinson said evidence obtained by officers and detectives at the scene did not match the woman’s story.

The woman admitted during questioning she lied about the incident. Robinson said she broke into her own home because she didn’t have the key.

Palmersheim has been processed and released by the Ames police.

— Jill Sederstrom