Sherri Papini Returns to Court for Visitation Rights
Sherri Papini, the California woman who admitted in 2022 to fabricating her own kidnapping in 2016, is once again in court. This time, she is engaged in a legal dispute with her former husband regarding visitation of their two children.
In a court document filed for a recent visitation hearing, Papini stated, “For eight years, our family has endured media attention, including being followed, stalked, harassed, and bullied.” She added, “I have prioritized privacy to concentrate on my children and recover from past events. Before my imprisonment, I served as the primary caregiver for many years. My children remain my top priority.”
Papini is seeking renewed access to her children following an eight-year period marked by intense global media coverage and a Hulu documentary centered on the case.
Ex-Husband Opposes Visitation
Keith Papini, her former spouse, is reportedly contesting the visitation request, aiming to shield their children from their mother.
Legal Arguments Presented
Legal representatives for both parties presented their arguments to Judge Kathryn J. Barton of the Shasta County Superior Court.
The 2016 Disappearance and Hoax
In November 2016, Papini vanished from her Redding, California, residence while jogging.
She resurfaced 22 days later, purportedly assaulted and branded, approximately 150 miles from her home. She alleged abduction at gunpoint by two Hispanic women.
Investigation Uncovers Deception
Extensive resources were invested by local and federal law enforcement in investigating what was initially believed to be a crime. However, the investigation revealed that Papini had voluntarily stayed with a former boyfriend in Costa Mesa during her absence.
DNA evidence connected Papini to her ex-boyfriend, who subsequently confessed to authorities. In March 2022, Papini was charged with multiple counts, including mail fraud and making false statements to a federal officer.
Divorce and Legal Consequences
Following the revelation of the hoax, Keith Papini initiated divorce proceedings and sought sole custody of their children.
Sherri Papini later entered a plea agreement, admitting to mail fraud and making false statements to a federal officer.
She received an 18-month prison sentence, ultimately serving approximately 11 months before her release in 2023.
Media Contact
Fox News Digital has contacted legal representatives for both parties for comment.