Jennifer Wilbanks, the runaway bride who was indicted on one felony count of making false statements last week for claiming to be kidnapped and sexually assaulted, has agreed to pay Duluth $13,250 to cover a portion of their costs during the search for her.

No doubt the money isn't coming out of her pocket, but from her parents and family. While she probably feels stupid and embarrassed because of the national attention she brought upon herself, in a few months I'm sure she'll have forgotten it all unless she receives a severe penalty that she can't simply pass onto her family.

Newsday

The city attorney notified Mayor Shirley Lasseter that a written agreement for compensation had been reached. The city was expected to receive a check from Wilbanks on Tuesday, Lasseter said.

In accepting the agreement, the city will have to write off about $30,000 in other costs searching for the bride-to-be, who disappeared April 26, four days before her planned wedding.

"We're very appreciative they were willing to give us the $13,000. We would have certainly welcomed the entire amount that covered all of our employees but we are ready to get this behind us," Lasseter said.

...

She could get up to six years behind bars and $11,000 in fines if convicted. She could also be ordered to reimburse authorities, though several state and county agencies have said they will not ask Wilbanks to reimburse them for search costs.

I'm hoping she doesn't just get probation, but gets a few months in a minimum security prison. We need to send the right message on this crap happening. She will no doubt make a small fortune off of rights to her story in the near future. I wonder who will play her in the TV movie.

Tipped by: La Shawn Barber