Date: 09-08-2014

Case Style: United States of America v. Christopher Juaquin Russell

Case Number: 4:13-cr-00220-DLH

Judge: Daniel L. Hovland

Court: United States District Court for the District of North Carolina (Burleigh County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: David D. Hagler

Defendant's Attorney: Christopher J. Lancaster and Heather McCord Mitchell for Christopher Juaquin Russell

Ryan Sandberg for April Marie Lacey

Description: BISMARCK - U. S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on Sept. 8, 2014, Christopher Juaquin Russell, 34, Tacoma, Wash., was sentenced before U. S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

On September 14, 2013, a Montana Highway Patrol officer attempted to stop a car driven by Christopher Russell near Fairview, Montana. Russell refused to stop and a chase commenced which ended in North Dakota. McKenzie County law enforcement officials were able to apprehend Russell on Highway 85 near Arnegard, ND. There was one female passenger in the car. After stopping and arresting Russell, 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.

Judge Hovland also ordered that Russell serve 10 years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund.

The case was investigated by Northwest Narcotic Task Force, McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Montana Highway Patrol.

Outcome: See above

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

Comments: