An Alabama woman who claimed to have been kidnapped after stopping her car to check on her wandering toddler on Thursday pleaded guilty to providing false information to law enforcement.
News outlets reported that Carly Russell pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of false reporting to law enforcement and falsely reporting an incident. She was given a six-month suspended sentence, which will allow her to avoid prison. She was ordered to pay more than $17,000 in restitution.
Alabama judge challenges ruling in Carly Russell hoax case
Her two-day disappearance and her story of being kidnapped along an interstate captivated the nation before police said her story was a hoax.
Carly Russell will appear in Hoover District Court on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. (Fox News Digital’s Dana Mixer)
Russell went missing on July 13 after calling 911 to report a toddler on the side of Interstate 459 in the Birmingham suburb of Hoover. When she returned home two days later, she said police abducted her and forced her into her car.
Police immediately cast doubt on Russell’s story. Her lawyer released her statement through the police, in which she admitted there was no kidnapping and that she had never seen the infant. In her statement, Russell apologized to law enforcement and the volunteers who worked on the search.
Hoover Police Chief Nick Dargis previously said he was frustrated that Russell was only charged with two misdemeanors despite causing panic and disorder. He said the law does not allow for enhanced charges.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Alabama Legislature is considering a bill this year that would increase penalties for falsely reporting crimes.
