Carlee Russell pleads guilty to faking her own kidnapping, apologizes for ‘mistake’
HOOVER, Ala. (WFLA) — Alabama woman Carlee Russell, who confessed to lying about being kidnapped, setting off a national search last summer, pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to the hoax Thursday afternoon.
Russell pleaded guilty in Jefferson County Circuit Court to two misdemeanor counts for filing a false police report, NBC News reported. She will be under supervised probation for 12 months, must repay over $17,000 in restitution to the City of Hoover, and must complete 100 hours of community service.
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Russell spoke in court for the first time after the incident, apologizing to the community. She previously apologized in an attorney statement last summer, admitting that the kidnapping was faked and asked for forgiveness.
“I want to genuinely apologize for my actions, and the resulting negative impact inflicted onto others. I made a grave mistake while trying to fight through various emotional issues and stress,” Russell said. “I’m extremely remorseful for the panic, fear and various range of negative emotions that were experienced across the nation.”
“I want to specifically acknowledge and take accountability for the pain and embarrassment that I inflicted upon my family, my church family, friends, neighbors, community, and all of those who were directly involved in search efforts for me,” she continued.
According to NBC, Russell will attend a review hearing on Oct. 16 for a check on the amount of restitution that’s been paid and completion of community service.
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Russell, a nursing student, called 911 on July 13, 2023, reporting that she had seen a child on the interstate in Hoover, Alabama. However, when authorities arrived at the location, she vanished.
Shortly after the call, police found items belonging to her and her car.
Around 48 hours after Russell vanished, she reappeared on July 15. Her family members told police she had walked home. When she was taken to a hospital for treatment, she told officials she had been abducted.
Throughout the Hoover Police Department’s investigation, officials said they’ve been unable to locate any child that Russell reported seeing. Authorities have also they’ve found discrepancies between what Russell said happened and what their investigation revealed had transpired.
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