Alabama Lawmaker Filing Bill to Make Felony of Faking an Abduction

Carlee Russell is facing two misdemeanor charges for faking her own kidnapping, each carrying up to one year of jail time.

Senator April Weaver, R-Brierfield, intends to introduce a bill that would make faking an abduction a felony.

The proposed legislation would include severe prison sentences and mandatory restitution for the full cost of resources expended by law enforcement agencies during a hoax abduction.

Hoover City Council President John Lyda plans to vote on a resolution supporting the legislation. Lyda emphasized that this crime had 96,000 victims, the taxpayers of Hoover, who were worried and expended significant resources in the investigation.

Alabama Sheriffs Association Executive Director Jimmy Lambert supports harsher penalties, as the current misdemeanor charges do not adequately address the substantial resources spent by law enforcement agencies.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is assisting with the case and supports changes to the law related to Russell’s charges.

Senator Weaver plans to prefile the bill in the coming weeks, with the legislative session beginning on February 6, 2024.

What are your thoughts? You can express your opinions here on the actual story and also share the story to your favorite social media platforms.