Heidi Jones (PICTURES): WABC Meterologist in NYC Court to Face Rape-Lie Charges

NEW YORK (CBS/AP) Heidi Jones, the New York TV meteorologist who allegedly lied to police about being stalked and raped in Central Park, appeared in a Manhattan court Wednesday to face misdemeanor charges.

PICTURES: Heidi Jones Arrested

Jones, who remains on suspension from WABC-TV, is accused of conjuring up the story of being attacked twice, once in September and again in November.

According to a court complaint released Wednesday, on Dec. 13 Jones admitted to a detective that she fabricated the assaults.

"I made it up for attention. I have so much stress at work, with my personal life and with my family," she said, according to the document.

Jones, 37, stood silently before Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Lynn Kotler wearing a black suit and maroon patent leather pumps as prosecutors read off misdemeanor charges of false reporting. If convicted, Jones could face up to a year in prison or a $1,000 fine.

Police began a lengthy investigation following Jones' claims, reviewing hours of surveillance footage from the park and questioning several witnesses, until the inconsistencies in Jones' story became evident when authorities returned to her for questioning, reports the New York Daily News. 

Jones' attorney, Paul Callan, said Wednesday she will fight the charges and stressed that his client be given a fair chance to state her case.

"I would urge everybody to understand that there is a presumption of innocence that applies even to Heidi Jones in this case," Callan said.

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF HEIDI JONES ON CRIMESIDER