The world remembers the 2016 headlines. Sherri Papini, the "Super Mom" from Redding, California, who vanished into thin air only to reappear 22 days later, battered and branded. It was a story that gripped the nation. Then, the truth hit. It was all a lie. She wasn't kidnapped by "two Hispanic women"; she was hiding out at an ex-boyfriend’s place in Southern California.
Fast forward through the federal prison sentence and the messy divorce from Keith Papini. People are naturally asking about her life today. Specifically, who is the Sherri Papini now boyfriend? If you've been following the local Redding rumors or the latest docuseries, one name keeps popping up: Shawn Hibdon.
The Shawn Hibdon Connection
Honestly, the relationship between Sherri and Shawn Hibdon is a head-scratcher for most people. Shawn is a wealthy, widowed businessman. He lost his wife, Brittany Hibdon, in 2021—a tragic event that has its own set of internet sleuths and local whispers.
Sherri and Shawn reportedly began their relationship shortly after she was released from prison in 2023. They weren't just "dating" in the casual sense. They were living together. Sherri moved into Shawn’s Shingletown home, a sprawling property about 30 miles east of Redding.
It wasn't a quiet romance.
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By mid-2024, reports surfaced that the relationship was, well, chaotic. An ex-partner of Hibdon actually filed a restraining order against Sherri, alleging that Shawn had abandoned his family to be with the "Gone Girl" hoaxer. It felt like a sequel to the original drama, just with different characters.
Why the Relationship Soured
Is Shawn Hibdon still the Sherri Papini now boyfriend? Basically, no.
The relationship hit a massive wall in early 2025. According to court filings and local reports from the Redding Record Searchlight, Shawn actually served Sherri with an eviction notice. Imagine that. You move in, start a new life after a federal fraud conviction, and then your partner legally tries to kick you out.
The drama centered around the Shingletown house. Apparently, there was some sort of deal where Sherri was supposed to buy the home from Shawn. That deal fell apart. When the relationship ended, Sherri didn't just pack her bags. She stayed.
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The Squatting Allegations
By mid-2025, Sherri was effectively living in the house as a holdover tenant—or what some called a squatter. Shawn’s legal team had to move forward with the eviction because she refused to vacate the property after the 30-day notice expired.
It’s a bizarre twist for a woman who once claimed she was held captive in a dark room. Now, she was fighting to stay in a house where the owner wanted her gone.
The "New" Boyfriend Rumors
Since the fallout with Shawn, the rumor mill has gone into overdrive. In Shingletown and the surrounding mountain communities, locals have whispered about a new man in the picture. Some online forums and "insider" accounts have mentioned a man named "Tony."
Is Sherri Papini married again? There’s no official record of a second marriage as of early 2026. However, rumors suggest she may have moved on to a local man whose family has long-standing ties to the area. Sherri has always been someone who relies on a support system—usually men—to navigate her crises.
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Why the Boyfriend Search Matters
You might wonder why anyone cares who she's dating. It's not just about celebrity gossip.
- Restitution: Sherri still owes over $300,000 in restitution. The government is keeping a very close eye on her finances. If a boyfriend is paying her way, it complicates the collection process.
- Supervised Release: She is on supervised release until late 2026. Her living situation and the people she associates with are part of her check-ins with her probation officer.
- Custody Battles: Her ex-husband, Keith, has full custody of their two children. Sherri only gets supervised visits. Any new romantic partner in her life becomes a factor in those ongoing custody discussions.
The Narrative Shift
In her latest appearances, like the Investigation Discovery docuseries Caught in the Lie, Sherri has actually started walking back her confession. She’s now pointing the finger at her other ex-boyfriend, James Reyes—the one she hid with during the 2016 hoax—claiming he actually did kidnap her.
It’s a bold move. Most experts, including the FBI agents who worked the case, say it's just another layer of manipulation.
Actionable Insights: What to Watch For
If you’re following this case, don't expect a quiet ending. Sherri is currently trying to reinvent herself as an author. She’s mentioned writing "chapter books" and starting a foundation. Here is what to actually keep an eye on:
- The Eviction Outcome: Look for court records in Shasta County regarding the Shingletown property. If she’s finally out, her new address will likely leak through public records.
- The Restitution Garnishment: The U.S. Attorney’s office has already filed a writ of garnishment. Any income she makes from her new book, Sherri Papini Doesn't Exist, will likely go straight to the government.
- Supervised Release Expiration: Late 2026 is the big date. Once she is off supervised release, she won't have to report her boyfriends or her movements to the feds anymore.
The story of the Sherri Papini now boyfriend is less about romance and more about a woman trying to find a place to land while the world continues to watch her every move. Whether it’s Shawn, Tony, or someone else, the patterns seem to remain the same. She finds a protector, the relationship goes public, and then the legal system steps in.
Stay updated on the Shasta County court portal for the latest filings on her civil cases. These documents often reveal more about her current living situation and romantic ties than any TV interview ever will.