Carlee Russell’s state trial appeal of her conviction of faking her abduction was canceled and a plea hearing has been set.
According to AL.com, Russell’s trial was initially set for March 18.
However, Jefferson County Bessemer Cutoff Circuit Judge David Carpenter ordered a plea hearing on March 21.
Russell’s attorney, Emory Anthony, wouldn’t comment on what he thought might happen at the hearing.
Carlee Russell Pleaded Not Guilty
On October 11, 2023, Carlee Russell pleased not guilty to falsely reporting an incident and falsely reporting to law enforcement authorities.
Despite the 26-year-old’s plea, she was found guilty.
Hoover Municipal Judge Brad Bishop recommended Russell spend one year in jail and pay $17,874 in restitution.
The judge also recommended two fines of $831 each.
Anthony revealed that they would appeal the verdict because state prosecutors want Russell to go to jail.
Anthony added that Russell’s legal team disagrees with jail time for a Class A misdemeanor, especially for a first offense.
Alabama lawmakers are trying to toughen the consequences of false abduction claims.
A proposed bill would make a fake abduction claim a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Carlee Russell apparently vanished on Thursday, July 13, after calling a family member and 911 to report seeing a toddler, around 3 or 4 years old and only wearing a diaper, walking alone on I-459.
Then the family member heard a scream followed by interstate noise.
Carlee Russell’s disappearance prompted widespread concern and a massive search.
She appeared two days later at her parents’ Hoover home and was taken to UAB hospital for evaluation.
In hospital, Russell revealed that she had escaped a man and woman who abducted her.
When asked why Russell faked the abduction, Anthony said it’s something that would one day come to light.
“We’re dealing with issues with Carlee, and we want the best for Carlee. We realize a mistake was made but we don’t want to just pile on right now.”
