Carlee Russell Charged With 2 Misdemeanors: Claims She Was Kidnapped!

Carlethia “Carlee” Nichole Russell, a 25-year-old nursing student, has been charged with two misdemeanors for falsely claiming she was kidnapped earlier this month, according to Alabama authorities, CBS News reported.

Carlee Russell Charged With 2 Misdemeanors (PHOTO: ABC News)

Carlee Russell Charges

The charges include falsely reporting to law enforcement and falsely reporting an incident, both of which are Class A misdemeanors with a maximum punishment of one year in jail and a possible $6,000 fine upon conviction.

Carlee Russell voluntarily turned herself in to law enforcement and was booked and processed at the Hoover City Jail, where Carlee Russell was released on a $1,000 bond for each charge. Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis expressed frustration with the misdemeanor charges and plans to seek enhancements to current legislation for those who report false crimes.

Derzis also requested assistance from Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall for further investigation into the case, and Marshall’s office will monitor if additional charges are warranted.

The incident began when Carlee Russell called 911 on July 13, claiming a toddler was missing on the side of the highway. Shortly after, Carlee Russell disappeared, prompting a massive search involving various agencies. However, two days later, Carlee Russell appeared at her parent’s house and told police she had been kidnapped by a man with orange hair and a woman, held in a truck trailer, and fed cheese crackers.

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Carlee Russell’s Alleged Kidnapping

Investigators became suspicious when they found no evidence of a missing toddler on the highway, despite several other cars passing by. Additionally, they discovered online searches related to “Amber Alerts” and “how to take money from a register without getting caught” made by Carlee Russell before the alleged kidnapping.

A week after her return, Carlee Russell admitted the kidnapping was fabricated, there was no baby involved, and she referred to it as a single act. She stated her attorney asking for forgiveness from the community, volunteers who participated in the search, and the Hoover Police Department.

READ ALSO: 6-Year-Old Miami Girl Bites Attacker To Escape Kidnapping; Suspect Arrested