During sentencing, state prosecutor Clark Morris argued that Russell should be given jail time, despite only being charged with misdemeanors. “This case has always been about respect for law enforcement and respect for this community as a whole,” Morris said, according to NPR.
“Ms. Russell faked a kidnapping, duped the community, and contrived this situation. We, judge, still don’t know, to this day where she was, how she got there, what she was doing, and with whom she was doing it.”
Hoover Police Chief Nicholas Derzis shared similar sentiments. He expressed “frustration” that Russell could only be charged with misdemeanors and proposed state legislators enhance the law when someone falsely reports a kidnapping or another violent crime.
For the first time, the 26-year-old spoke in court, tearfully apologizing for her actions. “I made a grave mistake while trying to fight through various emotional issues and stress,” Russell said. “I’m extremely remorseful for the panic, fear and various range of negative emotions that were experienced across the nation.”
However, investigators had a hard time finding evidence of a child walking on the side of the road.
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Source: Black Enterprise
