Carlee Russell charged for abduction hoax

Carlee Russell, the Alabama woman who claimed she was kidnapped for two days and later confessed was a lie, has been charged with two misdemeanors in connection with the hoax, police announced Friday.

Carlee Russell faces charges

Russell was charged with false reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting an incident, authorities announced during the Friday press conference.

Carlee Russell mugshot (Hoover Al police)

She surrendered to authorities, accompanied by her attorney, at the Hoover City Jail.

The charges carry a bond of $1,000 each and are punishable by up to a year in jail and a $6,000 fine if convicted, the authorities said.

Russell was released from jail after posting bond.

Kidnapping Hoax

Russell went missing after she called 911 in the evening on July 13, claiming she saw a toddler wandering on the side of Alabama’a Interstate 459 South.

The 25-year-old nursing student returned home July 15 on foot and provided a story to police claiming that she was abducted, taken by a male with orange hair and a woman.

She claimed she was forced into an 18-wheeler truck and taken to a home where a man and a woman told her to get undressed and then took photos of her.

Hoover Police were unable to confirm the majority of Russell’s claims.

During the course of the investigation, officials found internet searches on her phone about paying for Amber Alerts, one way tickets to Nashville, how to take money from a register without getting caught and about the movie “Taken.”

To date, they are uncertain if anyone else is involved.

Russell issued an apology

Russell issued a statement through her attorney apolozing for her actions.

“My client apologizes for her actions to this community, to the volunteers who were searching for her, to the Hoover Police Department and other agencies as well,” her statement said.

After initially defending her from naysayers, Russell’s boyfriend released a statement saying he was “blindsided” and “disgusted” by her actions.

Authorities 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.