Carlee Russell is opening up for the first time after faking her own abduction back in 2023.

Carlee Russell
Carlee Russell Hoover Police Department

Russell, a nursing student from Alabama, told 9-1-1 she saw a toddler walking along the highway alone. Suddenly, she herself went missing. The suspected abduction launched a massive investigation in her name until she returned home 49 hours after she "went missing."

Wearing a torn shirt and holding $107 dollars in her sock, she told authorities that she had been kidnapped by an orange haired man. This man with a bald spot reportedly blindfolded her and put her inside of his truck.

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However, in July 2023, it was discovered that Russell had faked her own kidnapping after a fight she had with her boyfriend. She was found guilty of false reporting to law enforcement and falsely reporting an incident. In March, she was sentenced to 12 months probation, mental health counseling, and 100hours of community service.

Now, a year after her lie became front page news, she is speaking out. According to 'Fox 5,' Russell took to Instagram on her 27th birthday to thanks those who helped her "find the light in the darkest moments."

Carlee Russell
Carlee Russell Fox 5 Atlanta

"I wasn't going to make a birthday post but I would be remiss not to publicly acknowledge the goodness God has shown to me. He not only allowed me to see another year but He changed the trajectory of my life from the negative place I was in this time last year," she wrote, according to the outlet.

She continued: "To those who have been there for me, your kindness and support have meant the world to me. Whether it was a text, call, direct message on social media, post, prayer, thoughtful gift, or words of encouragement, nothing was too little and each helped me to fight to live another day. Thank you sincerely for helping me find the light in the darkest of moments."

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According to her social media post — shared on her private Instagram account — Russell wrote that as she steps "into this next year of life, I am filled with hope and optimism toward continuing to overcome challenges, cherishing those who cherish me, and embracing the future and God's plan for my life with an open heart and mind."