Photo: Hoover Police Department
An organization that got donations during Carlee Russell's kidnapping hoax told dozens of donors they need to request their money back, despite giving massive contributions back already, according to AL.com.
Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama raised $63,378 in reward money for the safe return of the 25-year-old nursing student, who vanished after reporting a toddler walking alone on a highway on July 13. Russell mysteriously showed up on her family's doorstep over 48 hours later, sparking massive speculation about what happened.
Once police uncovered inconsistencies in her story and her dubious search history, Russell revealed she lied about the entire encounter in a statement submitted by her lawyer and read by Hoover Police Chief Nicholas C. Dersiz on Monday (July 24).
Following this shocking revelation, Crime Stoppers initially said they would return all the funds but then backtracked on that promise. Reporters learned a $25,000 donation from the Birmingham Board of Realtors and a $20,000 contribution from anonymous patron have been returned already. As for the remaining 13,378.58 pledged by nearly 60 donors, they'll need to request a refund.
“For large donations, we have an agreement that said you’re giving us this money for this specific case to be used if law enforcement officials deem they’re going to use that money for a payout,’’ Bob Copus, executive director of Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama, said Monday morning. “If it’s not used or the case is never solved, you can have your money back.”
Crime Stoppers is reportedly emailing every single donor that contributed money to the case about their optional refund. Copus said they're working quickly to get people their money back.
“We would never use a crime as a fundraiser,’’ Copus said. “Every dollar counted because it came from somebody who wanted to see Carlee come home.”
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.