Sherri Papini is a California woman who gained national attention in 2016 when she faked her own kidnapping. On November 2, 2016, Papini, then 34, disappeared while jogging near her home in Redding, California. She reappeared three weeks later, claiming to have been abducted and tortured by two Hispanic women.
However, investigations revealed inconsistencies in her story, and it was later uncovered that she had stayed with a former boyfriend during her absence. In March 2022, Papini was arrested and subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of making false statements and mail fraud. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to repay over $300,000 in restitution.
After serving 11 months, Papini was released in August 2023. She is currently involved in a legal dispute with her ex-husband, Keith Papini, over visitation rights to their two children.
Keith filed for divorce and gained sole custody following her guilty plea. A recent court hearing took place on March 21, 2025, where Sherri sought visitation rights, and the release of a Hulu docuseries about her case was discussed.
The case has garnered significant media attention, inspiring documentaries and discussions about the impact of her actions on her family and the broader community.