Carlee Russell Pleads Guilty, Avoids Jail

Carlee Russell, who made national headlines by faking her own abduction in Hoover, pleaded guilty Thursday. The Hoover woman admitted in court that she made a "grave mistake" by calling 911 last year, claiming she saw a baby walking along I-459, then staging her kidnapping with the operator listening. The report touched off a frantic two day search that ended when Russsell mysteriously appeared at her family's home. Russell pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors: false reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting an incident. The Alabama attorney general's office sought jail time, but Judge David Carpenter disagreed, saying Russell is not a threat to the public. But Russell is ordered to pay nearly $18,000 in restitution for the law enforcement resources spent on the case. She must also show proof of mental health treatment. Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis expressed disappointment with the sentence, calling it a "slap on the wrist." The chief says authorities still don't know where Russell was during her 49-hour absence, and who might have helped her. Derzis says the restitution also falls short, adding that the amount spent on the search is closer to $50,000.


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