<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/alabama">Alabama</a> State Rep. John Rogers (D) — who previously gained national attention over controversial remarks that he made about abortion — has been indicted on federal obstruction of justice, according to prosecutors.
Rogers was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of obstruction of justice in case that centers around an alleged scheme to defraud the Jefferson County Community Service Fund.
&#8220;A 25-count superseding indictment filed this week in United States District Court charges Varrie Johnson Kindall, 58, of Chelsea, with one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, 11 counts of wire fraud, 3 counts of mail fraud, 1 count of money laundering, and 4 tax related charges,&#8221; said a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice.
&#8220;Additionally, the superseding indictment charges John Rogers, 82, and Kindall with 2 counts of obstruction of justice,&#8221; the statement continued. &#8220;These charges arise from an investigation of wrongdoing in connection with the Jefferson County Community Service Fund. In June, former Representative Fred L. Plump, Jr. pleaded guilty to conspiring with Kindall and resigned from the Alabama House of Representatives.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
BREAKING: State Rep. John Rogers has been charged with Obstruction of Justice <a href="https://twitter.com/WBRCnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WBRCnews</a> <a href="https://t.co/3h90QZBcrR">pic.twitter.com/3h90QZBcrR</a>
&mdash; Morgan Hightower (@mchightower) <a href="https://twitter.com/mchightower/status/1707153136123543823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Rogers made highly controversial remarks on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives back in 2019 about abortion, saying: “Some kids are unwanted, so you kill them now or you kill them later.”
Rogers remarks came as the Republican-controlled chamber voted overwhelmingly — 74-3 — to outlaw nearly all abortion in the state.
“Some kids are unwanted, so you kill them now or you kill them later,” Rogers said. “You bring them in the world unwanted, unloved, you send them to the electric chair. So, you kill them now or you kill them later.”
“Some parents can’t handle a child with problems,” Rogers continued, according to a local media report. “It could be retarded. It might have no arms and no legs.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Alabama State Rep. John Rogers (D) on abortion: “Some kids are unwanted, so you kill them now or you kill them later. You bring them in the world unwanted, unloved, you send them to the electric chair. So, you kill them now or you kill them later” <a href="https://t.co/dxPg6X759h">pic.twitter.com/dxPg6X759h</a>
&mdash; Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealSaavedra/status/1123727511987396609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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John Rogers

Alabama Democrat Who Made ‘Kill’em Now Or Kill’em Later’ Remark On Abortion Indicted On Federal Charges: Report

Abortion

Alabama

Crime

An <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/alabama" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alabama</a> law banning giving cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers to children can take effect after a federal appeals court ruling.
The ruling from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals comes as over 20 states have passed laws banning transgender procedures on children. The court ruled that there was no constitutional right for children to be given sex-change procedures and that state legislatures had the right to make laws governing the procedures.
“The plaintiffs have not presented any authority that supports the existence of a constitutional right to ‘treat [one’s] children with transitioning medications subject to medically accepted standards,’” Judge Barbara Lagoa, a Trump appointee, <a href="https://media.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/files/202211707.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a> in her opinion.
“Absent a constitutional mandate to the contrary, these types of issues are quintessentially the sort that our system of government reserves to legislative, not judicial, action,” Lagoa added.
A group of parents with transgender-identifying children had sued Alabama after the state passed a law called the “Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act.”
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall celebrated the decision, <a href="https://www.alabamaag.gov/alabama-attorney-general-marshall-victorious-in-eleventh-circuit-court-of-appeals-injunction-against-law-protecting-children-from-experimental-sex-modification-procedures-to-be-vacated/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saying</a> it “reinforced that the State has the authority to safeguard the physical and psychological wellbeing of minors, even if the United States Attorney General and radical interest groups disapprove.”
“Alabama takes this responsibility seriously by forbidding doctors from prescribing minors sex-modification procedures that have permanent and often irreversible effects. This is a significant victory for our country, for children, and for common sense,” he added.
The Left-wing Human Rights Campaign decried the ruling, <a href="https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/statement-on-11th-circuit-ruling-reversing-injunction-on-alabama-transgender-healthcare-ban" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claiming</a> that the transgender procedures in question were “safe, effective, and life saving for some.”
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“We believe that at the end of the day, our nation’s courts will protect these vulnerable youth and block these harmful laws, which serve no purpose other than to prevent parents from obtaining the medical care their children need,” a statement from the HRC said.
Laws shielding children from sex-change operations have faced court challenges, with some being put on hold and ruled unconstitutional. A federal judge in Georgia this week <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/georgia-ban-on-hormone-treatment-for-minors-blocked-by-federal-judge" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blocked</a> a law that prohibited children from being given cross-sex hormones, claiming that it likely violated the equal protection clause of the Constitution.
The ruling over the Alabama law follows another appeals court ruling in favor of a similar law. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/tennessee-law-protecting-kids-from-trans-procedures-to-take-full-effect-after-court-victory" target="_blank" rel="noopener">allowed</a> a Tennessee law to take full effect after a federal judge previously blocked portions of the law earlier this year.

White pills spilling out of prescription bottle onto orange surface

Alabama Allowed To Enforce Ban On Puberty Blockers, Cross-Sex Hormones For Children

Courts

Social Issues

Transgender

U.S.

An Alabama public library reversed its <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/alabama-library-cancels-moms-for-liberty-kirk-cameron-faith-filled-story-hour-event-after-hundreds-rsvp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">decision to cancel</a> a Moms for Liberty book reading event featuring actor Kirk Cameron and women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines. It will now allow it to take place on Saturday. 
The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library System announced Wednesday that the Madison Public Library could no longer hold the event after the scope of attendees quickly grew from approximately 30 to 300, <a href="https://www.hmcpl.org/sites/default/files/images/Moms%20for%20Liberty%20event%20exceeds%20capacity%20for%20Madison%20Public%20Library%208_3_23.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">citing</a> concerns about security and capacity. After backlash and a letter from law firm First Liberty Institute, the library system reverted back to allowing the event, Fox News <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/alabama-library-caves-brave-books-kirk-cameron-stand-up-attempt-deny-americans-venue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
&#8220;I&#8217;m happy to announce that Madison Public Library has reversed course and are now rightfully inviting us to come host the story hour for the community in Huntsville,&#8221; said Brave Books CEO Trent Talbot. 
&#8220;We must stand our ground and fight for our public institutions,” he added. “The foe we fail to meet at the gate in our own generation is the foe we let into the city for the next.&#8221;
The event, held by publishing company Brave Books, is part of a “See You at the Library” national tour in nearly 300 libraries in 45 states. After Cameron announced on social media that he would attend, protesters threatened to crash the event. 
As more people began expressing interest in attending, the library asked if the organizers needed additional space to accommodate a larger crowd. They initially declined, suggesting holding the event outside. However, after local law enforcement confirmed threats of protests from a group out of Birmingham, they were advised to move the event to a private location. But the organization stayed firm on its position to hold the event in the public space.
Brave Books immediately challenged the decision to cancel the event, and law firm First Liberty Institute sent a letter to the library system, stating it was &#8220;prepared to vindicate this violation of our client’s civil rights in court,&#8221; Fox News <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/alabama-library-caves-brave-books-kirk-cameron-stand-up-attempt-deny-americans-venue">reported</a>. Moms for Liberty organizers Emily Jones and Elizabeth Stewart previously told The Daily Wire they disagreed with how the library system and the Madison City Police Department wanted to address the safety concerns.
“It was a directive on how to manage our group and not the protesters,” Jones, the organization’s Madison County chapter chair, said. “To me, that just indicates that [the police chief] is not interested in making this event go well. He wants it to go away.”
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The event, led by Cameron, star of the 1980s sitcom “Growing Pains,” seeks to allow conservative Christian families to meet at public libraries around the country as an alternative to the controversial drag queen story hours targeting children.
Cameron and Gaines were not originally scheduled to appear at the Madison County event, but Jones said she received a separate email earlier this week stating that the two national conservative celebrities planned to attend.
“I freaked out on Elizabeth and shouted and kind of did a happy dance,” she said.
The organization and Cameron shared the news on social media, drawing more attention to the event.
“The response was overwhelming,” Jones said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Join me this Saturday, August 5th, for the first National &#39;See You at the Library’ day with thousands of faithful Americans for a day of singing, praying, and reading.
I will be visiting 3 libraries with <a href="https://twitter.com/BraveBooksUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BraveBooksUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Riley_Gaines_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Riley_Gaines_</a>:
1. TENNESSEE: We will be at the… <a href="https://t.co/N9fK2EirAz">pic.twitter.com/N9fK2EirAz</a>
&mdash; Kirk Cameron (@KirkCameron) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirkCameron/status/1687104714004148224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Brandon Drey contributed to this report.

Kirk Cameron

Alabama Library Reverses Decision After Canceling Kirk Cameron, Riley Gaines Faith-Filled Story Hour Event

Drag Queen story hour

General

Library

Riley Gaines

A House Democrat from <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/alabama">Alabama</a> broke party ranks and criticized the Biden administration over its decision to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/biden-reverses-plan-to-move-space-command-from-colorado-to-alabama">nix a Trump-era plan</a> to move the U.S. Space Command headquarters to her state.
Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL), the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/members?q=%7B%22member-state%22%3A%22Alabama%22%2C%22congress%22%3A118%7D">lone Democrat</a> in Alabama&#8217;s congressional delegation who <a href="https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2020/01/citing-districts-legacy-fighting-for-voting-rights-rep-terri-sewell-endorses-former-vp-joe-biden-in-2020-presidential-race.html">endorsed</a> President Joe Biden during the 2020 election, issued a scathing statement after the Pentagon announced on Monday that the military command would stay in <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/colorado">Colorado</a>.
&#8220;This Administration’s decision to keep Space Command in Colorado bows to the whims of politics over merit. Huntsville’s merits won this selection process fair and square,&#8221; Sewell <a href="https://sewell.house.gov/2023/7/rep-sewell-statement-on-decision-to-keep-u-s-space-command-headquarters-in-colorado">said</a>, referring to the city that had previously been chosen as the permanent home of Space Command.
&#8220;In three separate reports, Huntsville reigned victorious, whereas Colorado did not come in second or even third. This reversal is as shameful as it is disappointing,&#8221; she added. &#8220;I expected more from the Biden Administration. A decision of this magnitude should not be about red states versus blue states, but rather what is best for our national security.&#8221;
Sewell concluded: &#8220;To be clear, the Alabama Congressional Delegation stands united in opposition to this decision.&#8221;
Former President Donald Trump <a href="https://www.spacecom.mil/Newsroom/Speeches/Speech-Display/Article/2388821/remarks-by-president-trump-at-event-establishing-the-us-space-command/#:~:text=We're%20gathered%20here%20in,that's%20pretty%20obvious%20to%20everybody.">revived</a> U.S. Space Command during his administration and in his final days in office in January 2021, it was <a href="https://www.al.com/news/huntsville/2021/01/us-space-command-headquarters-coming-to-huntsville-alabama-sources.html">announced</a> that the Air Force intended to move the Space Command headquarters to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.
Politicians from Colorado have long cried foul over the plan, often claiming that it lacked merit and that politics were at play, leading to <a href="https://www.dodig.mil/reports.html/article/3027137/evaluation-of-the-air-force-selection-process-for-the-permanent-location-of-the/">multiple</a> government watchdog <a href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-22-106055.pdf">assessments</a> that found the Air Force selection process <a href="https://www.al.com/news/2022/06/gao-report-finds-no-issues-with-redstone-arsenal-as-space-command-hq.html">flawed</a> but <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/space-command-builds-colorado-hq-congress-tries-force-alabama-move-rcna89504">legitimate</a>.
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Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder <a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3477514/statement-from-pentagon-press-secretary-brig-gen-patrick-ryder-on-us-space-comm/">said</a> in a statement that Biden made the decision to reverse the plan following a &#8220;thorough and deliberate evaluation process,&#8221; consultation with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and input from senior military leaders.
Dismissing the notion that politics were at play, National Security Adviser John Kirby <a href="https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/1686127717903646720">told CNN</a> that Biden acted on &#8220;operational readiness&#8221; alone. &#8220;When it came down to it, he believes it is in the best national security interests of the country if we leave Space Command in Colorado,&#8221; Kirby added.
Though Coloradan officials, including Republicans, voiced support for the decision, Alabama&#8217;s politicians were dismayed.
&#8220;The White House choosing to not locate Space Command Headquarters in Alabama – the rightful selection – is very simply the wrong decision for national security,&#8221; <a href="https://twitter.com/GovernorKayIvey/status/1686121295627399168">said</a> Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, a Republican.
Sen. <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/tommy-tuberville">Tommy Tuberville</a> (R-AL), who is <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/gop-senator-holds-firm-in-stand-against-pentagon-abortion-policy-as-marines-lose-confirmed-leader">holding up military promotions</a> to protest against a Pentagon <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/abortion">abortion</a> policy, <a href="https://twitter.com/SenTuberville/status/1686425401629855744">said</a> &#8220;Alabama is united&#8221; in opposing the &#8220;political decision&#8221; by the Biden administration regarding Space Command. Rep. Dale Strong (R-AL), whose district <a href="https://strong.house.gov/about/our-district">includes</a> Huntsville, <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDaleStrong/status/1686111245152161792">said</a> the &#8220;fight for Space Command isn’t over.&#8221;

Terri Sewell

Democrat Slams Biden Administration Over Space Command Decision

Colorado

Congress

Joe Biden

Military

Politics

Space

Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) said in a statement on Monday that she was hospitalized over the weekend after experiencing a rapid onset of numbness in her face.
Britt said that the cause of the facial numbness was determined to be the swelling of a nerve in her face that was likely caused by &#8220;a post-viral infection.&#8221;
&#8220;While with my family in Montgomery this past weekend, I experienced a sudden onset of numbness in my face,&#8221; she said in a statement. &#8220;I was admitted to Baptist Medical Center South for evaluation. Doctors determined that my symptoms were a result of swelling of a facial nerve, most likely caused by a post-viral infection.&#8221;
Britt said a second medical opinion confirmed the diagnosis and she will now be treated on an outpatient basis.
&#8220;A specialist from AB has subsequently evaluated me on an outpatient basis and concurred with the prognosis and course of treatment,&#8221; she continued. &#8220;My condition is not life-threatening, and recovery could take several weeks. I am grateful for the medical professionals providing excellent care, and my family and I are deeply grateful for your prayers.&#8221;
The statement said that Britt was now back at home and recovering.
Britt defeated Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) in Alabama&#8217;s Republican Party primary runoff election last year.
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BREAKING: Senator Katie Britt &#39;experienced a sudden onset of numbness&#39; in her face and was admitted to a medical center <a href="https://t.co/hfgZZaxEr8">pic.twitter.com/hfgZZaxEr8</a>
&mdash; Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheInsiderPaper/status/1686181729646833664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Lawmakers Return To Capitol Hill Following Midterm Elections

U.S. Senator Katie Britt Hospitalized After Experiencing ‘Sudden Onset Of Numbness’ Face

Health

U.S. Senate

President <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> reversed a Trump-era plan to move the U.S. Space Command headquarters out of <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/colorado">Colorado</a> to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/alabama">Alabama</a>.
A Pentagon spokesperson <a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3477514/statement-from-pentagon-press-secretary-brig-gen-patrick-ryder-on-us-space-comm/">announced</a> on Monday that Biden made the decision following a &#8220;thorough and deliberate evaluation process,&#8221; consultation with Defense Secretary Loyd Austin, and input from senior military leaders.
National Security Adviser John Kirby <a href="https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/1686127717903646720">told CNN</a> that Biden acted on &#8220;operational readiness&#8221; alone. &#8220;When it came down to it, he believes it is in the best national security interests of the country if we leave Space Command in Colorado,&#8221; Kirby added.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Kirby: The President believes it&#39;s in the best national security interest if we leave space command in Colorado <a href="https://t.co/73FxHPuS2W">pic.twitter.com/73FxHPuS2W</a>
&mdash; Acyn (@Acyn) <a href="https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/1686127717903646720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
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U.S. Space Command, which is <a href="https://www.spacecom.mil/About/Frequently-Asked-Questions/">separate</a> from the Space Force, is currently headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with <a href="https://www.spacecom.mil/About/Frequently-Asked-Questions/">personnel and functions</a> spread across bases in Colorado, Nebraska and California. It employs joint forces from the various military branches to deliver &#8220;<a href="https://www.spacecom.mil/About/Frequently-Asked-Questions/">space capabilities</a>&#8221; to U.S. forces.
Former President Donald Trump <a href="https://www.spacecom.mil/Newsroom/Speeches/Speech-Display/Article/2388821/remarks-by-president-trump-at-event-establishing-the-us-space-command/#:~:text=We're%20gathered%20here%20in,that's%20pretty%20obvious%20to%20everybody.">revived</a> the program during his administration and, during his final days in office in January 2021, it was <a href="https://www.al.com/news/huntsville/2021/01/us-space-command-headquarters-coming-to-huntsville-alabama-sources.html">announced</a> that the Air Force intended to move the Space Command headquarters to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama — the same area that House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) has now <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/jordan-threatens-funding-unless-new-fbi-hq-leaves-dc-area-and-he-has-a-suggestion">suggested the FBI relocate</a> its headquarters.
Then-acting Air Force Secretary John Roth <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-117hhrg47821/pdf/CHRG-117hhrg47821.pdf">testified to Congress</a> in the summer of 2021 that Huntsville was chosen as the preferred site as a result of a &#8220;strategic basing process&#8221; with the help of stakeholders and it was determined that construction and maintenance costs for buildings to hold more than 1,400 people would be cheaper in the Alabama location than in Colorado Springs. In addition, amid concerns by Colorado officials <a href="https://spacenews.com/lamborn-the-fight-to-keep-u-s-space-command-in-colorado-is-not-over/">that the planned move lacked merit</a>, Roth said he had personally not seen any evidence that the decision was politically motivated.
Following assessments by the <a href="https://www.dodig.mil/reports.html/article/3027137/evaluation-of-the-air-force-selection-process-for-the-permanent-location-of-the/">Department of Defense inspector general</a> and the <a href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-22-106055.pdf">Government Accountability Office</a> that found the Air Force selection process to be proper for the most part, Biden&#8217;s decision to back away from the Trump plan pleased Colorado politicians who have opposed the relocation effort.
&#8220;This is great news for Colorado and our national security — keeping U.S. Space Command in Colorado Springs is an exciting outcome for our state, military families, jobs, and businesses,&#8221; <a href="https://twitter.com/GovofCO/status/1686104879583113216">said</a> Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat.
&#8220;I applaud the decision today by the Biden Administration to keep U.S. Space Command where it belongs — Colorado,&#8221; Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepKenBuck/status/1686128729599143936">said</a> in a statement. &#8220;Our entire Congressional Delegation, both Republicans and Democrats, have worked together for years to achieve this important result. Colorado already has the pre-existing infrastructure, first-rate work force, private-sector support, and communication platforms necessary to provide for our national security mission in space.&#8221;
Elected officials from Alabama expressed outrage and indicated that they planned to push back against the Biden administration over the reversal.
&#8220;The White House choosing to not locate Space Command Headquarters in Alabama – the rightful selection – is very simply the wrong decision for national security,&#8221; <a href="https://twitter.com/GovernorKayIvey/status/1686121295627399168">said</a> Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, a Republican.
Among members of Congress, Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMikeRogersAL/status/1686125983714115584">said</a> he would be &#8220;continuing my investigation into Biden&#8217;s deliberate, political, taxpayer-funded meddling in this decision,&#8221; while Sen. <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/tommy-tuberville">Tommy Tuberville</a> (R-AL), who is <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/gop-senator-holds-firm-in-stand-against-pentagon-abortion-policy-as-marines-lose-confirmed-leader">holding up military promotions</a> to protest against a Pentagon <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/abortion">abortion</a> policy, <a href="https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-statement-on-biden-taking-space-command-from-alabama/">said</a> he would &#8220;continue to fight&#8221; the planned move.
Kirby, a retired Navy rear admiral, said moving Space Command would likely take between five and 10 years &#8220;at a critical time in the space domain when the [People&#8217;s Republic of China] is developing incredible capabilities in that regard. Moving it could have a negative effect on Space Command&#8217;s readiness and the president finds that unacceptable.&#8221;

President Joe Biden

Biden Reverses Plan To Move Space Command From Colorado to Alabama

Department of Defense

National Security

Pentagon

Tommy Tuberville

The Hoover Police Department announced on Friday that it filed criminal charges against Carlee Russell after she admitted to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fabricating a kidnapping story</a> earlier this month.
The 25-year-old nursing student had claimed that she was kidnapped while checking on a toddler on the side of the road in Alabama. Her disappearance lasted for 49 hours.
The Hoover Police Department said that after conferring with the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office in Bessemer and presenting all of the known facts to them, the case was referred back to the Hoover Municipal Court for charging.
Russell was charged with two Class A misdemeanors: False Reporting to Law Enforcement Authorities and Falsely Reporting an Incident.
If convicted on both charges, Russell faces up to two years in jail and a $12,000 fine. Bond was set at $2,000.
&#8220;Her decisions that night created panic and alarm for the citizens of our city and even across the nation as concern grew that a kidnapper was on the loose using a small child as bait,&#8221; said Hoover Police Chief Nicholas C. Derzis. &#8220;The story opened wounds for families whose loved ones really were victims of kidnappings, some of which even helped organize searches.&#8221;
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said his office intends to &#8220;fully prosecute this case&#8221; and that his office will monitor the case for potential additional charges.
Russell attorney Emory Anthony released a statement this week with the permission of Russell that stated: “There was no kidnapping on Thursday July 13. My client did not see a baby on the side on the road.”
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&#8220;My client did not have any help in this incident. This was a single act done by herself,&#8221; the statement said. &#8220;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. Carlee again asks for your forgiveness and prayers.&#8221;

Carlee Russell

Carlee Russell Criminally Charged After Admitting To Fabricating Kidnapping Story

Fraud

Law Enforcement

The attorney representing Carlee Russell, who <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/carlee-russell-admits-her-entire-kidnapping-story-was-a-hoax" target="_blank" rel="noopener">admitted</a> this week that her claim that she was kidnapped was a hoax, reportedly told local media that he expects her to be criminally charged in the case.
The 25-year-old nursing student had claimed that she was kidnapped while checking on a toddler on the side of the road in Alabama earlier this month. Her disappearance lasted for 49 hours.
Attorney Emory Anthony met with Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis on Tuesday and <a href="https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/attorney-emory-anthony-representing-carlee-russell-speaks-about-meeting-with-hoover-police/">reportedly</a> told journalists afterward that he expects Russell to be charged in the case.
&#8220;It&#8217;s a great meeting, a short meeting just to try to identify some things about where we go from here. There&#8217;s responsibilities that we need to take care of,&#8221; he said. &#8220;But it was a great meeting. And I want to commend the Hoover Police Department and the chief of police for their action and how they handled everything, so, hopefully we can get the to the end game as they say of this particular thing.&#8221;
In the last few days, Russell lost her job, and her boyfriend Thomar Simmons broke up with her after initially <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/carlee-russells-bf-urges-public-to-stop-bullying-amid-suspicious-claims-think-about-her-mental-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">defending</a> her.
&#8220;Carlee&#8217;s actions created hurt, confusion, and dishonesty,&#8221; Simmons said in a statement. &#8220;I was made aware of the false narrative after coming to the defense of my ex Carlee Russell. Myself and my family&#8217;s nature was to react in love, and genuine concern. We are disgusted from the outcome of this entire situation. I strongly feel exactly like you all&#8230; blindsided with Carlee&#8217;s actions.&#8221;
During the Hoover Police Department&#8217;s last press conference, Derzis <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/carlee-russell-admits-her-entire-kidnapping-story-was-a-hoax">said</a> that law enforcement still did not know where Russell was during the 49 hours that she was reported missing, and they did not know her motivation for fabricating the story. He said that law enforcement “pretty much” knew that it was a hoax for the last week.
When asked if the parents were under investigation, Derzis said that “anything’s on the table” because investigators still do not know where she was or if she had any help.
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“This was an elaborate deal,” he said. “I mean, when you talk about calling a 911, and being up on the interstate.”
Derzis said that the statement from Russell will not alter the course of law enforcement’s on-going investigation.

Carlee Russell’s Attorney Confirms He Expects Her To Be Charged Over Kidnapping Hoax: Report

Hoax

The boyfriend of Carlee Russell, the 25-year-old nursing student who claims that she was kidnapped while checking on a toddler on the side of the road in Alabama, is urging the public to stop &#8220;bullying&#8221; her online as doubts grow over her story.
Speaking to the New York Post, Thomar Latrell Simmons <a href="https://nypost.com/2023/07/22/carlee-russells-boyfriend-asks-people-to-stop-bullying-her-as-locals-are-convinced-her-left-behind-wig-is-smoking-gun-in-kidnapping/">said</a> that he knows how the situation looks as law enforcement has cast doubt on her story and people have accused her of lying.
&#8220;The only thing I can say is, I want everyone to stop bullying her,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I know what it seems like what she did. Just stop bullying on social media.&#8221;
&#8220;Think about her mental health,&#8221; he added. &#8220;She doesn’t deserve that. She doesn’t. Nobody deserves to be cyberbullied.&#8221;
The Hoover Police Department <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/carlee-russell-gets-bad-news-after-her-suspicious-kidnapping-story-report">revealed</a> late last week that Russell conducted searches online about Amber alerts and the film “Taken,” which is about an abduction, in the hours leading up to her alleged kidnapping. She was missing for roughly 48 hours before she returned home.
Authorities said Russell took a “dark bathrobe,” a roll of toilet paper, and other items from her place of work hours before she vanished. She also stopped at a Target store to purchase some granola bars and other snacks after picking up takeout food. Hoover PD revealed that when they arrived on scene following Russell’s 911 call, the items from work and Target were missing, though her takeout food was still in the vehicle.
The department also emphasized that Russell drove 600 yards on the interstate while allegedly following the toddler she spotted on the side of the road. The department has no evidence that there was a child, and expressed disbelief that a toddler could move so quickly on the side of the interstate without incident.
“To think that a toddler, barefoot, [who] can be 3 or 4 years old, is gonna travel six football fields is –without getting in the roadway, without crying – it’s just very hard for me to understand,” authorities said at the presser.
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Russell has claimed she was taken by a man with orange hair and a bald spot after she left her vehicle to check on the toddler. She says she was then forced into a vehicle and eventually taken into a home with the man, along with a woman, whom Russell never got a look at. She then claims she was told to undress and believes the man and woman took photos of her.
The Post noted that one detail of the story that has caused quite the stir in Birmingham was what police found at the scene where Russell was allegedly abducted — her wig.
The publication spoke with several hair stylists and wig experts in the area, all of whom were black and who had doubts about her story because of the wig.
The experts said that the wig that was found was &#8220;expensive&#8221; and would have taken roughly 15 minutes to remove from a scalp since it is glued on.
“That was when the majority of Birmingham was like, ‘She’s lying’,&#8221; said hair stylist Kyra Joyner. &#8220;That’s when it was split down the middle where there was those that believed her and those that thought she was lying. It was the wig.&#8221;
“First of all, your wig is going to be secure,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Second, if somebody’s taking you, they’re going to try to cause the least attention they can.&#8221;
Amanda Prestigiacomo contributed to this report.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/carlee-russell-gets-bad-news-after-her-suspicious-kidnapping-story-report">Carlee Russell Gets Bad News After Her Suspicious Kidnapping Story: Report</a>

Carlee Russell’s BF Urges Public To Stop ‘Bullying’ Amid Suspicious Claims: ‘Think About Her Mental Health’

Carlee Russell's BF Urges Public To Stop 'Bullying' Amid Suspicious Claims: 'Think About Her Mental Health'

kidnapping

Carlee Russell, the 25-year-old nursing student who claims that she was kidnapped while checking on a toddler on the side of the road in <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/alabama" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alabama</a>, has reportedly been fired from her job.
The New York Post <a href="https://nypost.com/2023/07/21/carlee-russell-fired-from-alabama-spa-job/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that Russell was &#8220;canned&#8221; from her job at the Woodhouse spa in Birmingham, according to spa owner Stuart Rome.
Russell told the publication that when everyone at the spa initially heard about the alleged kidnapping, they were &#8220;really devastat[ed]&#8221; and that they spent a lot of their own personal time trying to help locate her.
The Hoover Police Department <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/searches-about-film-taken-amber-alerts-found-on-carlee-russell-devices-days-before-vanishing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revealed</a> late this week that Russell conducted searches online about Amber alerts and the film “Taken,” which is about an abduction, in the hours leading up to her alleged kidnapping. She was missing for roughly 48 hours before she returned home.
“As the information came out that there were some questionable things, we’ve been a little pissed off, mainly because so many people took so much time out to search,” Rome said.
The business has been flooded with negative reviews online and has lost business because they&#8217;ve had to shut down their social media channels.
Rome told the Post that if Russell&#8217;s story turns out to be false, it will really harm the next time there is a real victim in the area.
“I think it erodes faith for the next time, it erodes faith when people see somebody who’s been abducted and they’ve been put through this,” he said. “They’re just not going to respond like they did, which is the worst part.”
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Authorities also revealed this week that Russell took a “dark bathrobe,” a roll of toilet paper, and other items from her place of work hours before she vanished. She also stopped at a Target store to purchase some granola bars and other snacks after picking up takeout food. Hoover PD revealed that when they arrived on scene following Russell’s 911 call, the items from work and Target were missing, though her takeout food was still in the vehicle.
The department also emphasized that Russell drove 600 yards on the interstate while allegedly following the toddler she spotted on the side of the road. The department has no evidence that there was a child, and expressed disbelief that a toddler could move so quickly on the side of the interstate without incident.
“To think that a toddler, barefoot, [who] can be 3 or 4 years old, is gonna travel six football fields is –without getting in the roadway, without crying – it’s just very hard for me to understand,” authorities said at the presser.
Russell has claimed she was taken by a man with orange hair and a bald spot after she left her vehicle to check on the toddler. She says she was then forced into a vehicle and eventually taken into a home with the man, along with a woman, whom Russell never got a look at. She then claims she was told to undress and believes the man and woman took photos of her.
Russell says she was eventually put inside another vehicle, and was somehow able to escape. She ran through “lots of woods” and made it to her parents’ home, where she resides, too.
Detectives say Russell had $107 cash in her right sock, a ripped shirt, and a cut lip when they arrived at her parents’ house.
“She’s having to deal with the trauma of people just making completely false allegations about her,” Russell’s parents told NBC on Tuesday. “She found her way back to us. However, we can’t discuss the details of that.”
Amanda Prestigiacomo contributed to this report.

Carlee Russell Gets Bad News After Her Suspicious Kidnapping Story: Report

A press conference on Wednesday revealed new details in the sensational case of <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/police-share-new-details-in-carlee-russell-disappearance-from-missing-snacks-to-spotted-toddler" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Carlee Russell</a>, the 25-year-old nursing student from Alabama who went missing for 48 hours before returning home this weekend, claiming she had been abducted and held captive.
The Hoover Police Department revealed that Russell &#8212; who claims she was taken after checking on a toddler on the side of the road &#8212; conducted searches online about Amber alerts and the film &#8220;Taken,&#8221; which features an abduction, in the days and hours leading up to her disappearance on Thursday.
&#8220;You have to pay for an amber alert or search,&#8221; was one such search, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HooverPD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to authorities. Russell also searched, “how to take money from a register without being caught,&#8221; “Birmingham bus station,&#8221; “one way bus ticket from Birmingham to Nashville,&#8221; and &#8220;Taken.&#8221;
Authorities also revealed that Russell took a “dark bathrobe,” a roll of toilet paper, and other items from her place of work hours before she vanished. She also stopped at a Target store to purchase some granola bars and other snacks after picking up takeout food. Hoover PD revealed that when they arrived on scene following Russell&#8217;s 911 call, the items from work and Target were missing, though her takeout food was still in the vehicle.
The department also emphasized that Russell drove 600 yards on the interstate while allegedly following the toddler she spotted on the side of the road. The department has no evidence that there was a child, and expressed disbelief that a toddler could move so quickly on the side of the interstate without incident. 
“To think that a toddler, barefoot, [who] can be 3 or 4 years old, is gonna travel six football fields is –without getting in the roadway, without crying – it’s just very hard for me to understand,&#8221; authorities <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HooverPD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> at the presser.
Russell has claimed she was taken by a man with orange hair and a bald spot after she left her vehicle to check on the toddler. She says she was then forced into a vehicle and eventually taken into a home with the man, along with a woman, whom Russell never got a look at. The 25-year-old then claims she was told to undress and believes the man and woman took photos of her. 
Russell says she was eventually put inside another vehicle, and was somehow able to escape. She ran through “lots of woods” and made it to her parents&#8217; home, where she resides, too.
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Detectives say Russell had $107 cash in her right sock, a ripped shirt, and a cut lip when they arrived at her parents’ house.
“She’s having to deal with the trauma of people just making completely false allegations about her,&#8221; Russell&#8217;s parents told NBC on Tuesday. “She found her way back to us. However, we can’t discuss the details of that.” 
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/police-share-new-details-in-carlee-russell-disappearance-from-missing-snacks-to-spotted-toddler" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Police Share New Details In Carlee Russell Disappearance, From Missing Snacks To Spotted Toddler</a>

Searches About Film ‘Taken,’ Amber Alerts Found On Carlee Russell Devices Days Before Vanishing

Searches About Film 'Taken,' Amber Alerts Found On Carlee Russell Devices Days Before Vanishing 

Police on Tuesday night shared new details in the case of 25-year-old nursing student Carlethia “Carlee” Nichole Russell, who went missing for more than 48 hours in Hoover, Alabama, before showing up at her parents&#8217; home on Saturday night.
Russell vanished Thursday night after allegedly checking on a toddler in a diaper on the interstate. The 25-year-old called 911 to report the child, then called a family member and relayed the same message. According to the family member, Russell was heard screaming after asking someone, presumably the child, if they were okay. Police arrived within minutes, but Russell was nowhere to be found, though her belongings were in her vehicle. She showed up on foot at her parents&#8217; home, but little has been revealed about her time missing. 
The Hoover Police Department confirmed in a press release that Russell stopped at a Target store to buy &#8220;some snack food type items&#8221; before she went missing. Authorities said those items &#8220;were not located in the vehicle or with her cell phone and wig at the scene of her disappearance.&#8221;
The department also revealed that it has “not located any evidence of a toddler walking down the interstate.” Authorities added that they have not received any additional calls about the toddler “despite numerous vehicles passing through that area as depicted by a traffic camera surveillance video.”
It was also revealed that Russell was found by first responders “conscious and speaking and was transported [to the hospital] in that condition,” despite the initial dispatch describing the woman as “unresponsive but breathing.&#8221;
Russell&#8217;s statement to police upon her return home has yet to be released to the public.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Latest press release from Hoover Police Department on the disappearance of Carlee Russell. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CarleeRussell?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CarleeRussell</a> <a href="https://t.co/EzMjgBRW8x">pic.twitter.com/EzMjgBRW8x</a>
&mdash; Mattie Davis WVTM 13 (@MattieWVTM13) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattieWVTM13/status/1681485477516288004?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Hoover Police added in its press release that this is the only information they can reveal at this time. “We understand that there are numerous rumors and misinformation making the rounds in both social media and traditional media,” the release said. “While we understand the public interest in this incident, we must maintain the integrity of the case, thus we are limited in what information we can release or confirm at this time.” 
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Russell&#8217;s parents, in an <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/parents-alabama-woman-went-missing-48-hours-express-relief-return-rcna94728" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interview</a> with NBC on Tuesday morning, said their daughter was “abducted&#8221; and claimed Russell was fighting for her life both physically and mentally while she was missing.
“She’s having to deal with the trauma of people just making completely false allegations about her,&#8221; Russell&#8217;s mother, Talitha Robinson-Russell, responded to speculation and doubts about her daughter&#8217;s disappearance. 
“She found her way back to us,&#8221; Robinson-Russell said. &#8220;However, we can’t discuss the details of that.”

Police Share New Details In Carlee Russell Disappearance, From Missing Snacks To Spotted Toddler

New Details Confirmed In Carlee Russell Disappearance, From Spotted Toddler To Missing Snacks

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