Sherri Papini back in court fighting ex-husband for child visitation rights

Sherri Papini, the California mother who made headlines in 2022 for faking her own kidnapping, is now back in court battling her ex-husband for visitation rights with their two children. In a court filing for a recent visitation hearing, Papini expressed her desire to see her children again after years of being hounded by the media and focusing on her family.

The saga began in November 2016 when Papini disappeared after leaving her home for a jog. She reappeared 22 days later, claiming she had been abducted at gunpoint by two Hispanic females. However, it was later discovered that she had been staying with an ex-boyfriend during her absence, leading to her arrest and subsequent plea deal in 2022.

Following her guilty plea to charges of mail fraud and lying to a federal officer, Papini served 18 months in federal prison before being released in 2023. Her ex-husband, Keith Papini, filed for divorce and custody of their children after the incident, leading to the current custody battle playing out in court.

Attorneys for both parties presented their arguments in front of Judge Kathryn J. Barton of the Shasta County Superior Court. While Sherri Papini is fighting for visitation rights, Keith Papini is seeking to shield their children from their mother. The case has garnered significant media attention and scrutiny, with the family’s story even being the subject of a Hulu documentary.

As the legal battle continues, both sides are vying for a resolution that will best serve the interests of the children involved. The outcome of the custody hearing will have a significant impact on the future of the Papini family and their ongoing struggles in the aftermath of Sherri Papini’s infamous hoax.

For more updates on this story and other U.S. crime news, stay tuned to Fox News Digital. Follow our reporter Peter D’Abrosca for the latest developments and insights into this high-profile case.