HOOVER, Ala. (WFLA) — Carlee Russell, who caused controversy after fabricating her own kidnapping, could now face jail time, according to Hoover police.
In a Friday press conference, Hoover police Chief Nick Derzis said Russell turned herself in to authorities on two misdemeanor charges of false reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting an incident.
This conference came days after it was confirmed that Russell was not abducted at all, despite initial claims of a kidnapping at the hands of a man and woman who fed her crackers.
“Her decisions that night created panic and alarm for the citizens of our city and even across the nation, as the concern grew that a kidnapper was on the loose using a small child as bait,” Derzis said.
The police chief said the fake kidnapping also reopened old wounds for the families of real victims.
“Some of which even helped organize searches in hopes they could find Carlee alive so her family would not experience the pain and suffering that they felt when their loved ones ever returned home,” he said.
Each of Russell’s charges could land her a year in jail and a $6,000 fine if she is convicted. However, Derzis said he was not satisfied with the charges and said he will press state legislators to add an enhancement when someone falsely reports kidnapping or violent crimes.
“Actions can have consequences,” the chief said.”
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said his office will prosecute this case and determine if any other charges can be brought against Russell.
Monday, police read a statement from Russell’s attorney that said she never saw a small child before her disappearance and acted by herself.
“My client was not with anyone or in a hotel with anyone from the time she was missing,” Russell’s attorney said. “My client apologizes for her actions to this community, the volunteers who were searching for her, to the Hoover Police Department, and other agencies, as well as to her friends and family. We ask for your prayers for Carlee as she addresses her issues and attempts to move forward, understanding that she made a mistake in this matter. Carlee, again, asks for your forgiveness and prayers.”
