Runaway bride checks into hospital

updated 12:21 p.m. ET May 10, 2005

GAINESVILLE, Ga. - The Georgia woman who ran away from her wedding is checking herself into a hospital, officials from Jennifer Wilbanks’ church said Tuesday.

Wilbanks is in voluntary treatment for physical and mental issues that she believes played a major role in her decision to leave town last month, the church said in a statement.

The 32-year-old woman touched off an extensive search last month when she vanished from her Georgia home days before her wedding. The local district attorney is deciding whether to charge her with making false statements.

Word of her hospital treatment may be the last about Wilbanks for a while. Her family’s church says it will not be disclosing how long she’ll be in the hospital or when there will be any updates.

Separately, court records reportedly show that Wilbanks served jail time for shoplifting several years ago.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Monday that Wilbanks faced a felony charge in 1996 for allegedly shoplifting $1,700 worth of merchandise from a mall. Records show the prosecutor in that case dropped the charge after Wilbanks completed a program of community service and restitution. That prosecutor is now serving as Wilbanks’ attorney.

In a separate case, court records show Wilbanks served two weekends in jail after pleading guilty to another shoplifting charge. A judge sentenced her to probation, a $400 fine and community service.

MORE FROM U.S. NEWS

U.S. news Section Front

Suspect in cop-killings eludes police Competency hearing begins in Smart case Hurricane seasons ends; quietest since '06 Poll: Americans still in giving spirit   Cops: Sharpton daughter said she was in rush Black workers' crisis may linger after upturn Divided Senate opens health care debate Activist seeks divorce ban in Calif. Man charged with killing wife, 2 daughters Prisoner pulls gun on guards, escapes U.S. news Section Front   Add U.S. news headlines to your news reader: