Christopher Juaquin Russell, Methamphetamine Trafficking, North Dakota 2014

Methamphetamine Trafficking Lands Tacoma Man 20-Year Prison Sentence

A 34-year-old Tacoma man, Christopher Juaquin Russell, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

The charges stem from a September 14, 2013, incident in which a Montana Highway Patrol officer attempted to stop a car driven by Russell near Fairview, Montana. Russell refused to stop, leading to a chase that ended in North Dakota. McKenzie County law enforcement officials apprehended Russell on Highway 85 near Arnegard, ND.

During the stop, officers found approximately two ounces of methamphetamine and a .380 caliber pistol in the car. Evidence revealed that Russell was traveling to the New Town, ND area to distribute the methamphetamine. Russell was prohibited from legally possessing a firearm due to four felony convictions, including a 2006 Missouri conviction for delivery of a controlled substance.

Russell was sentenced before U. S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland on September 8, 2014. In addition to the 20-year prison sentence, Judge Hovland also ordered that Russell serve 10 years of supervised release and pay a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund.

The case was investigated by the Northwest Narcotic Task Force, McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Montana Highway Patrol. Assistant U. S. Attorney David D Hagler prosecuted the case.

BISMARCK, ND – U. S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced the sentence. Russell’s case serves as a reminder of the dangers of methamphetamine trafficking and the consequences of violating federal laws.

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