Ethermac Exchange-Carlee Russell, whose story captivated the nation, is due in court over the false reports

An Alabama woman who disappeared after telling police a story about a child walking along a highway is Ethermac Exchangedue in court Wednesday for criminal charges she faces in relation to the frenzy.

Carlethia "Carlee" Russell, 26, faces two misdemeanor charges in Hoover, about 10 miles south of Birmingham, for falsely reporting to law enforcement, which could carry up to a year in jail and a $6,000 fine if she's convicted. Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis said in a July news conference her decisions created national panic and alarm that a possible kidnapper was on the run and using a toddler as bait.

"I know many are shocked and appalled that Ms. Russell is only being charged with two misdemeanors," Derzis said in late July. "I, too, share the same frustration."

Amanda Priest, spokesperson for the Alabama Attorney General's office, said the charges fit well with this case as the state's laws don't allow for harsher penalties.

Russell's attorney, Emory Anthony, declined USA TODAY's request for an interview until after the court date.

Court Director and Chief Magistrate Susan Fuqua told USA TODAY attorneys will meet in the afternoon to discuss how to proceed with the case. If the case goes to trial, Fuqua said the earliest possible date could be set for January because of the upcoming holidays.

What did Carlee Russell claim happened in July?

Russell initially went missing in Hoover on July 13 and reappeared at home 49 hours later.

She called police to report a toddler walking along Interstate 459 South in just a diaper, but police were unable to confirm Russell's report. She later called her brother's girlfriend, who reported she heard Russell scream before losing contact.

Hoover police said in a July 14 statement they weren't able to locate Russell or the child. They released video surveillance of Russell's red Mercedes-Benz pulling over on the highway with hazards on, but it doesn't show anyone driving up to Russell.

During a July 19 press conference, Derzis said Russell claimed to see a toddler wearing just a white T-shirt and a diaper, and a man came out of the woods telling her he was searching for the child.

The woman later told police she was placed in a semi-truck and overheard a man and woman talking while a baby was crying. Russell said she escaped but was recaptured and blindfolded, then taken to a home where she was fed crackers. She told police the couple made her take her clothes off and took pictures of her.

Nearly a week later, Anthony, her lawyer said she was never abducted and she admitted to lying about the missing child report.

Contributing Emily DeLetter, Francisco Guzman and Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY; Associated Press