California mom Sherri Papini was all over the news five years ago after she was reportedly kidnapped. Papini was reported missing in 2016 and was found just weeks later roughly 150 miles from her home. Sherri told police that she was kidnapped at gunpoint by two Hispanic women. It seemed like a nightmare scenario that could happen to anyone randomly.
Papini’s story turned out to be false. Now Sherri is facing some serious criminal charges. Police have accused her of staging her own disappearance and collecting money from victim’s assistance funds fraudulently, according to TMZ.
Sherri Papini made her initial report after her “discovery.” That led to a huge manhunt for two people who don’t exist. The FBI even got involved to provide a composite sketch.
Sympathy poured in for all corners. The scam was profitable for Sherri at the time. Now she will likely have to pay for the fraud.
The Department of Justice’s criminal complaint says Sherri was staying with her ex-boyfriend while claiming to be kidnapped. Papini also is accused of harming herself to make the fake abduction look more authentic. The ruse continued through 2020 when Sherri doubled down on the story despite there being no evidence supporting her.
Sherri Papini defrauded taxpayers for nearly $30,000 in compensation money for victims between 2017 and 2021. Now she faces up to 25 years behind bars. The bizarre stunt caused nothing but heartache and confusion. Sherri will likely pay a dear price for her stunt.
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