Alabama Municipal Judge Brad Bishop found Carlee Russell guilty of two misdemeanor charges related to the kidnapping hoax she staged in July. The recommended sentence is one year in jail. The sentence represents six months for each charge, served consecutively. The state recommended about $18,000 for restitution related to the resources spent on search efforts. Russell’s attorneys will now appeal the case to higher courts. They contend that no one has been sent to prison in Alabama for such a crime before. Critics of Russell say that such crimes are becoming more popular every day because people think they can get away with it. The one-year sentence would act as a deterrent from anyone else committing the same offense in an attempt to gain attention and/or money.
SOURCES:
Alabama judge issues ruling in Carlee Russell hoax case | Fox News
Carlee Russell’s attorneys fight to keep her out of jail in kidnapping hoax case
Carlee Russell found guilty in faked Hoover abduction: Judge recommends year in jail, $18,000 restitution – al.com
Carlee Russell appears in court, paving way for criminal trial
Carlee Russell found guilty, to appeal in circuit court
Carlee Russell found guilty, to appeal in circuit court
