How much did Carlee Russell's 'kidnapping' investigation cost? Ex-FBI agent reveals nursing student may need to pay part of fees
HOOVER, ALABAMA: An ex-FBI agent claims that Carlee Russell might be liable for all or part of the expenses associated with the law enforcement inquiry into her alleged disappearance, which turned out to be fake. The 25-year-old went missing on July 13 at around 9.34 pm after reporting a toddler strolling across the southbound side of Interstate 459 close to Birmingham, Alabama, according to the Hoover Police Department.
Later, Russell acknowledged the claims of seeing a baby on Interstate 459 and being kidnapped, stating that they were false through her lawyer Emery Anthony. "My client did not have any help in this incident. This was a single act done by herself," read her statement, continuing, "My client was not with anyone or any hotel with anyone from the time she was missing. 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 and to her friends and family." "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, Carly again, asks for your forgiveness and prayers," the statement added.
How much did Carlee Russell's 'kidnapping' investigation cost?
According to former FBI special agent Jonathan Gilliam, Russell might be responsible for some of the expenses incurred during the investigation, which will probably exceed $100,000, as per his interview with Fox News Digital. "You know, you’re looking at dozens of man hours plus the fact that somebody could get wrongly convicted or killed or, you know, so the cost and the safety of it adds up very quickly," he said. He went on to explain that it's possible that police who were tasked with other cases were called in to help find Russell. According to him, the amount the nursing student would be required to repay will depend on her income.
Carlee Russell may face two charges
Alabama authorities are reportedly looking into two possible charges against her following Russell's admission that her kidnapping story was a fabrication. The Bessemer Division of the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office told ABC News on Thursday, July 27, that they are thinking about filing charges against the 25-year-old for falsely reporting an incident and false reporting to law enforcement authorities. Each count of the misdemeanors can cost her up to a one-year prison term.