On Monday, an Alabama lawmaker proposed felony charges for anyone faking abductions following Carlee Russell’s case.
“This fictitious kidnapping caused fear and shock not only throughout the legislative district I represent but also throughout our state and nation,” Alabama state Sen. April Weaver, said in a statement, calling Russell’s actions a “hoax.”
“Individuals who concoct and carry out sham kidnappings and lead our law enforcement officers on wild goose chases must be given severe penalties for their deceptive actions,” she said.
Weaver plans to submit a bill ahead of the 2024 session seeking substantial prison sentences and mandatory restitution for law enforcement resources used in hoax abductions.
Just five days after confessing that she was never kidnapped, Russell was charged with two misdemeanors – filing a false police report and filing a false statement.
Russell was released on $2,000 bond after turning herself in. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison.
If convicted, Alabama AG Steve Marshall plans to recover the investigative costs of her disappearance.
“It is no doubt that part of the role that we have in this case is not only to develop the facts to present before the prosecution but also to develop an argument relating to restitution,” Marshall told Fox News.
According to a WBRC report, State Reps. Juandalynn Givan and Leigh Hulsey are collaborating on legislation to increase penalties for false abduction claims.
“You had a huge amount of resources utilized that are taxpayer resources across multiple agencies searching for someone who was never in danger. And that is a problem,” Hulsey said. “That took resources away from investigations and helping solving crimes that are real crimes that are ongoing right now, and we need to do whatever we can to prevent that from happening in the future.”
