Her story captured the nation. She said she saw a toddler walking along the highway, then she disappeared for 49 hours and reappeared with a fascinating kidnapping tale. Turned out it was all a lie, and now Alabama police has charged Russell with two misdemeanor charges.
The 26-year-old is being charged with falsely reporting to law enforcement officers and falsely reporting an incident, both misdemeanors.
She was released on bail, Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis announced at a news conference.
Both misdemeanor charges have a maximum sentence of up to a year in jail and a fine up to $6,000, Derzis said.
“I know many are shocked and appalled that Miss Russell is only being charged with two misdemeanors, despite all the panic and disruption her actions caused,” he said.
“Let me assure you I too share the same frustration,” he went on. “But existing laws only allow the charges that were filed to be filed.”
The investigation will be handled by the office of Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall.
“We don’t see this as a victimless crime,” Marshall said at the Friday news conference. “There were significant hours spent, resources expended as a result of this investigation.” He also cited the “many men and women who are civilians” who helped search for her.
Derzis said no charges have been filed against Russell’s family or any other individuals. Additional charges may be filed as the attorney general’s office works through their investigation, he added.
