The woman accused of faking her own abduction now has a court date. Carlee Russell's case is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing in Hoover Municipal Court on October 11.
Russell was charged with false reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting an incident, both misdemeanors.
Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis has called for a change in the law after the woman's disappearance caused mass panic across the state and the nation.
According to her attorney, Russell eventually admitted lying when she called 911 on Thursday, July 13, reporting a toddler was walking along Interstate 459. She disappeared for 49 hours before showing up at her home in Hoover.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall attended a press conference after Russell was charged and said his office was looking into the possibility of more charges against Russell. He said he did not see the incident as a victimless crime because of the countless people involved in the search for Russell.
The hearing will be at 2 p.m. The judge in the case has ordered no cameras are allowed in the courtroom or the lobby. It is unclear if Russell will be required to attend the hearing.
A trial date has not been set.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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