Alabama woman pleads guilty to falsely reporting kidnapping

Carlee Russell of Hoover, Alabama pleaded guilty on Thursday to falsely reporting that she had been kidnapped back in July of 2023.

Russell, 25, disappeared for two days after calling 911 to report seeing a toddler on the side of Interstate 459. She returned home claiming to have been kidnapped and forced into a vehicle along the highway.

Police were skeptical of her story right away, and she soon admitted through attorneys that there was no toddler and no kidnapping.

Russell apologized for her false claims, but police pointed out that their resources were wasted in the search for her, for the toddler, and for her alleged kidnappers.

“I want to genuinely apologize for my actions. I made a grave mistake while trying to fight through various emotional issues and stress. I’m extremely remorseful for the panic, fear and various range of negative emotions that were experienced across the nation,” Russell said according to WBRC.

She was not sentenced to jail time on the misdemeanors, but will have a year of probation, 100 hours of community service, and $17,000 in restitution.