Alabama nursing student Carlee Russell, 26, was sentenced to probation for the kidnapping hoax that captivated the nation.
Carlee Russell finally revealed Thursday why she faked her kidnapping last summer in a case that spurred nationwide panic as she pleaded guilty to two charges and avoided jail time.
The 26-year-old nursing student apologized for falsely reporting seeing a baby crawling alongside an Alabama highway just minutes before she seemingly vanished, only to turn up two days later without explanation.
“I made a grave mistake while trying to fight through various emotional issues and stress,” Russell told the court through tears.
“I’m extremely remorseful for the panic, fear and various range of negative emotions that were experienced across the nation. I want to specifically acknowledge and take accountability for the pain and embarrassment that I inflicted upon my family, my church family, friends, neighbors, community, and all of those who were directly involved in search efforts for me,” she continued.
