WICHITA, KAN. – A Pittsburg, Kan., man has been convicted on federal firearms and drug charges after a car chase and arrest in 2013.
James D. Russian, 57, was convicted on June 17 on four counts: unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, unlawful possession of ammunition after a felony conviction, unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
The evidence presented during the trial showed that on March 27, 2013, Russian led police on a car chase from Barton County, Mo., to Crawford County, Kan., after they tried to stop him to investigate a report that he threatened two people with a machete and a gun. Russian abandoned his car and hid in a wooded area before he was arrested. Investigators found marijuana, firearms, and ammunition in his possession.
Russian was prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction.
Prosecutors presented evidence that Russian led police on a car chase from Barton County, Mo., to Crawford County, Kan. Russian was arrested after he abandoned his car and hid in a wooded area. Investigators found marijuana, firearms, and ammunition in his possession. The crimes carry the following penalties: unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition following a felony conviction, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
The penalties for the crimes include a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count for unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition following a felony conviction. The penalty for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking is not less than five years and not more than life and a fine up to $250,000. The penalty for possession with intent to distribute marijuana is a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Sentencing is set for September 3. U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom commended the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office, the Liberal (Mo.) Police Department, the Pittsburg Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett for their work on the case.
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Key Facts
- State: Kansas
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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