Keith Papini was shocked to find out his wife's kidnapping was actually a hoax.

The 39-year-old mom Sherri Papini was reported missing and told investigators when she was found 22 days later that a pair of Hispanic women kidnapped her at gunpoint. Papini said her kidnappers abused her and then shoved her out of a car.

Papini was emaciated, her hair was cut shorter, and she had cuts and bruises all over her body, but prosecutors said she caused the injuries herself. The case was broken in 2020 when DNA led investigators to Papini’s ex, who told them she had been with him the entire time.

Federal prosecutors charged Papini with 34 counts of mail fraud and one count of making false statements. Papini accepted a plea deal but didn't explain why she created an elaborate kidnapping hoax, although she apologized for her actions. Since her arrest, Papini's husband has started divorce proceedings, and Sherri Papini soon begins her jail sentence.

Now, Sherri Papini, who is in a custody battle with ex-husband, is demanding he pay her $30,000 legal fees. Papini is now living with her new boyfriend in a $755,000 home, and driving a brand-new Jeep SUV. Papini also want more access to her children. Papini says she only makes $1,000 a month and has to pay half of that in rent.

The convicted hoaxer is also demanding Keith Papini, hand of other items from their marital home including ‘Grandpa’s truck, an inflatable water slide, a leaf blower and a smart TV.'

Joining Nancy Grace Today:

• Wendy Patrick - California prosecutor, author “Red Flags” www.wendypatrickphd.com 'Today with Dr. Wendy' on KCBQ in San Diego, Twitter: @WendyPatrickPHD
• Dr. Angela Arnold - Psychiatrist, Atlanta GA, AngelaArnoldMD.com, Expert in the Treatment of Pregnant/Postpartum Women, Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology: Emory University, Former Medical Director of The Psychiatric Ob-Gyn Clinic at Grady Memorial Hospital, Voted "My Buckhead's Best Psychiatric Practice of 2022"
• Joe Scott Morgan - Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author, "Blood Beneath My Feet", Host: "Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan"
• Mona Kay - Private Investigator, "Mona K Investigations" (Omaha, NE), Twitter: @monakay
• Dave Mack - Crime Online Investigative Reporter

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