Man arrested for impersonating missing woman Layla Santanello

KINGSPORT – A 21-year-old Kingsport man has been arrested in connection with posing as missing woman Layla Santanello and extorting family members for money.Michael David Thompson faces charges of identity theft, theft under $1,000, illegal possession of fraudulent use of a credit or debit card and extortion.According the the Kingsport Police Department, Thompson was indicted by the Sullivan County Grand Jury based on evidence collected throughout the investigation of Santanello's disappearance.Evidence collected suggests that Thompson posed as Layla and sent Cash App requests to several of her family members and friends after she was reported missing, authorities said.Kingsport Police Officers located and arrested Thompson for the warrants Monday.Thompson was taken to the Sullivan County Jail where he was booked in for the charges. Thompson's bond was set at $15,000.There is no evidence to support that Thompson had any involvement in Santanello's disappearance, KPD said.The Kingsport Police Department also released a frequently asked questions about Santanello's case.The 20-year-old woman has been missing since June.The questions and answers are:Q: What has the Kingsport Police Department done in this investigation?The KPD has obtained and served over 30 search warrants.Entered Layla in VICAP, an FBI database and the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NAMUS).Conducted a search of 562 Dale Street (residence of Layla Santanello and Michael Thompson) by search warrant on August 4th, 2023.Over 25 subpoenas have been issued.Six ground searches have been conducted which included the use of drones, Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), and K-9.Holly Bobo Act, which provides the support of the Tennessee Bureau of InvestigationNumerous interviews.Q: Is this case related to the Hollynn Sapp case?A: No, Kingsport Detectives have collaborated with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office and have discovered no evidence to support these cases are related.Q: What other agencies have assisted with this investigation?A: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Other agencies have assisted with ground searches to include: Sullivan County Emergency Management, Kingsport Fire Dept, Kingsport Life Saving Crew, Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, Bristol Tennessee Fire Department, Hawkins County Rescue Squad, Church Hill Rescue Squad, Washington County Rescue Squad, Johnson City Fire and Rescue, and Unicoi Rescue Squad.Q: What is the Kingsport Police Department doing next?A: This case is a priority for the KPD. Detectives are still pursuing all leads and tips. If anyone has any information pertaining to the disappearance of Layla should call 423-343-9780 or 1-800-TBI-FIND.Q: Was Layla last seen at Marble Slab?A: No. Early in the investigation, Detectives and Agents believed she was last seen at Marble Slab based on several witness statements. Detectives and Agents followed the lead and eventually learned that the woman who was seen at Marble Slab was not Layla. They confirmed that information through phone records as well as identifying the woman and interviewing her. Q: Where was Layla last seen?A: Layla was last seen on June 27, 2023, at approximately 6:15 am, in a field next to Americourt (1900 American Way, Kingsport, TN). Q: When was Layla reported missing?A: On June 27th, 2023.Q: How long has Layla been missing?A: Since June 27, 2023. Q: Is Layla's disappearance connected to any other missing persons cases?A: No. There has been no evidence to connect Layla's disappearance to any other missing person's case.Q: Is the Michael Thompson arrest related to Layla's disappearance?A: No. There is no evidence to suggest that Thompson was related to Layla's disappearance. Michael Thompson was charged by the Sullivan County Grand Jury with Extortion and Identity Theft based on evidence collected throughout this investigation related to the Cash App requests that had been sent to several of Layla's family members and friends after she was reported missing.