Carlee Russell was found guilty this week of charges related to her fabricated claims earlier this year that she was abducted in Alabama.
Hoover Municipal Judge Brad Bishop found the 26-year-old guilty on Wednesday of falsely reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting an incident.
The judge recommended one year in jail, nearly $18,000 in restitution, and two additional fines of over $800 each, according to a report from a local Alabama publication.
Russell admitted to law enforcement back in July that she fabricated her entire story. Her attorney, Emory Anthony, provided a statement to law enforcement at the time and asked that authorities read the entire statement at their press conference.
“There was no kidnapping on Thursday July 13,” the statement said. “My client did not see a baby on the side on the road.”
“My client apologizes for her actions to this community, the volunteers who were searching for her, to the Hoover Police Department and other agencies as well, as to her friends and family,” the statement continued. “We ask for your prayers for Carlee, as she addresses her issues and attempts to move forward, understanding that she made a mistake in this matter. Carlee again asks for your forgiveness and prayers.”
Russell is reportedly going to appeal the verdict to the Jefferson County Circuit Court in an effort to take the case to a trial by jury.
The Alabama Attorney General’s office said in July that they intended to “fully prosecute this case” because they did not view it as a “victimless crime.”
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“There are significant hours spent, resources expended, and not only that, but the many men and women civilians who wore those yellow vests on a hot afternoon and in the evening looking for someone they thought was abducted, trying to be of assistance,” the office said.
Related: Carlee Russell Gets Bad News After Her Suspicious Kidnapping Story
