Print this story | E-mail story | This story has 33 comments Add your own | iPod friendly
Russell sentenced in drug case
Published Monday, October 15, 2007
Forty-eight months was the sentence meted out to former Fergus Falls businessman Bradley James Russell this morning for first degree conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime, specifically, methamphetamine.
Russell, 53, one-time owner of the Sandpiper, will serve a minimum 32 months, according to the sentence handed down by Judge Barbara Hanson in Otter Tail County District Court. He received credit for one day already served and will pay fines and court costs of $132. Between March 2004 and October 2005, Russell conspired with others to sell/give 10 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Russell’s trial was in its second day last July when he decided to plead guilty to charges of first degree controlled substance crime.
Prosecution and defense agreed at that time to leave it up to the judge to choose a sentence between 24 and 48 months.
Seeking the lighter end of the spectrum Monday, Russell’s attorney, Thomas Murtha of Aiken, described Russell’s role in the conspiracy as passive.
“This is not a case of manufacture,” Murtha said. “He played a passive role … He let others put their hand in the cookie jar … He was a passive player with a minimum role.”
Murtha argued Russell is an addict and has taken steps to turn his life around by seeking treatment and attending a support group. The court received 11 letters in support for Russell.
“He was in the midst of things,” Hanson said. “Individuals came to him, more than one person.”
Murtha asked that the sentence be delayed or Russell be granted furlough to attend his daughter’s confirmation a the end of this month, which Hanson denied.
“This is part of the consequence’s of violating the law,” Hanson said.
When given the opportunity to address the court, Russell tearfully thanked family and friends in attendance.
Assistant Otter Tail Attorney Michelle Eldien described Russell’s sentence as fair. It is now up to the Department of Corrections to determine where Russell will serve his time, she said. He will be first taken to St. Cloud to make that determination.
In such a case, a maximum sentence of 30 years with a million dollar fine is possible. Eldien speculated had Russell not pled, the maximum sentence he would have received was 86 months, given his lack of criminal record.
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by Josephine (anonymous) on October 15, 2007 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As a friend of the family, I'm very saddened by the results of this trial. People that have done worse than this and gotten a very slight sentence or parol--don't make this seem fair. Brad has shown so much remorse--I can't believe the judge didn't see that both from his actions and the letters received.
Posted by virv (anonymous) on October 15, 2007 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a crock! Russel knew exactly what he was doing and to top it off he worked as a bail bondsman for years, he knew the system and he knew what risks he was taking. He is a felon and really needs to face the music. I feel that he got off easy!
As for the support of his family, if his wife knew the whole story, there would be no family standing by him. He knew exacty what he was doing and willing to risk it all and everyone around him!
Posted by JL (anonymous) on October 15, 2007 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with virv, what are these people thinking this whole meth thing is getting out of hand and killing people and destroying families. So just because he shows remorse he should get off easy....I don't think so if you play with fire be ready to get burned. I think any meth crime should get the maximum penalty for it...lets give our kids a clean future!!!!!!!
Posted by Angel_One (anonymous) on October 15, 2007 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you can't do the time don't do the crime. He knew he could end up in jail but kept on doing what he was doing. He wasn't thinking of anyone but himself. I also feel that he got off easy.
Posted by melindakay (anonymous) on October 15, 2007 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Selling meth probably means making meth, which endangers the lives of anyone near the meth lab. That includes the maker's children and neighbors. Anyone who would put others in danger like this deserves a long sentence.
Also, Josephine, your logic about people doing worse and getting lighter sentences doesn't go far. People who do worse should just receive longer sentences.
I for one do not want a meth problem in the FF community. I have seen the kind of individuals it produces and the harm it causes to families.
Posted by ginger_ale (anonymous) on October 15, 2007 at 7:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kudos to all for expressing an opinion. Yeah, it is unfortunate that Brad's family is going to suffer. They suffered through an addiction, the local media blitz, a trial, public scorn, and now they will lose their husband/father for a couple of years. I do feel bad for them, I really hope that they have a strong support system to help them get through this tragedy.
Yet meth is something we cannot have patience with. It is a drug that nobody can afford to try, not even once. If we do not become more proactive, meth will tear apart our communities like crack cocaine tore apart urban areas during the 1990s.
Brad got off easy. If we want this drug out of our community, sentences will need to be more intense. We need to remove the incentive for businessmen such as Brad to become involved in Meth distribution. While I hope that Brad is able to create something positive from this situation, ans while I wish him a successful recovery, I believe that he should have to serve at least a decade.
Posted by eagle_eye (anonymous) on October 15, 2007 at 8:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When clicking on "RECORD" on the home page, it takes you to a lead for this story, which states the sentance was "forty-eight YEARS", yet when you click to read the rest of the story, it takes you to the full article which shows forty-eight MONTHS. More errors by staff that should be more careful scrutinized. As for the sentence..I personally think that 48 YEARS wouldn't be enough for anyone who deals drugs. Sure he's sorry, but who wouldn't be if they were facing jail time. He's just sorry he got caught.
Posted by werty (anonymous) on October 15, 2007 at 10:28 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by toad3 (anonymous) on October 16, 2007 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I feel for his wife and girls, I hear the wife is a gem and this has been real tough on her.She will need some support and I hope she gets it.
Posted by sarahbear (anonymous) on October 16, 2007 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i don't understand why the authorities wait so long to arrest people commiting drug crimes.I hope Brad learns the value of family while he is away. i met him once through a friend. He was a very nice guy. I think his priorites got messed up when the drugs came into his life. I hope the family gets the support and strength they need to get through these next few years. My stepfather served two years for a meth crime. Family is very important.I'm Sure Brad is sorry for doing the crime. It is now his family that has to suffer.Im sure they are sad and mad. But in the end your family will be alot closer and stronger. God Bless your family.
Posted by vike (anonymous) on October 17, 2007 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't believe he got a short sentence like this. There is no doubt his sentence should have been more in tune with what he deserved. Probably double what he received. I for one am so tired of these drug offenders getting light sentences, from probation to this example of a slap on the wrist. Where has our justice system gone. Besides totally awry.
Posted by yepUbetchya (anonymous) on October 17, 2007 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Vike, if you want answers to these questions look at those elected officials and decide whether they should be sitting in those seats. Judges are elected. the County Attorney is elected. the Sheriff is elected. I will save everyone the trouble of reading all the names of those local elected officials who should avoid running for re-election.
Why is it that we wait until after cases like this to stop and question whether voting for the incumbent is the right or the easiest decision we make in November. So this November and next November, and so on. Think before you vote. That is if you vote. If you don't vote, that is sad. no pathetic.
I shoud watch what I say before BOB accuses me of slander again. ps., has BOB read what slander means yet?
Posted by kemp6908 (anonymous) on October 17, 2007 at 5:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I know Brad. He's been a chamelion for years. When he got busted, Oh how surprised everyone was?! Boo Hoo. Brad has been a meth head for years and knew exactly what he was doing. As far as the remorse... doesn't everyone show that WHEN THEY'RE CAUGHT!! It's all part of the game.
The sentence should have been stronger. Brad was using even up til 1 year ago. (failed drug screen) So much for remorse.
His family is the ones to suffer for his stupidity now. As for Brad, you made your bed. go lay down. Maybe after you get out, you should move out of the county and start over.
As for now, see how far your games get you in prison. Don't drop the soap! Kudos to the Judge for not putting up with the BS.
Posted by citygirl702 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 12:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
IF YOU WROTE ANYTHING NASTY IN THESE COMMENTS PLEASE READ! First of all none of you have ANY right to write the things you have! You dont know the whole story....only what you read in the papers does that mean you beleive everything you hear about iraq? your soldiers? celebs? Yes Brad did make a mistake what are you a saint? you've never made mistakes? Yeah his was probably bigger but we ALL make mistakes.....I am proud to say that I am from the CITY.... Which one, you dont need to know all i will say is that is probably the worst city infested with drugs in the united states~! ...But what you do need to know is that Brad did not turn any one in that is a crock of ..... and also you people obviously dont know anything about meth or the world it is in or the people in it, how they got into it or why! So you have no reason to judge at all! Yes Brad did get a lighter sentence, but also did you know that 10 grams of meth is NOTHING in the CITY! NOTHING !!!! As a person that comes from and has been through addicition all i have left to say to you people is that you have no idea until you have been there! And i bet all of you prissy judgemental people will NEVER understand so you just sit in your petty little lives and keep gossiping thats all you have~! THAT IS SAD!
Posted by citygirl702 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 12:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
oh....and also...that does NOT mean he was making meth.....there are people way higher than him in the drug world.......but like i said you would know NOTHING about it so just shut your traps and talk about something you KNOW about.....
Posted by calie7 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
what color is the sky in your world citygirl702????? you need to put down the crack pipe and open your eyes. you are an embarrassment to the people of this city.
Posted by citygirl702 (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
“If you burn your neighbor’s house down,
it doesn’t make your house look any better.”
-- Lou Holtz (1937- ) Victorious college football coach & author
Posted by yepUbetchya (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW citygirl, it sounds like you should go back to whatever fantasy lala land that you came from, because your makebelieve air is about to run out. Where is this CITY that you speak of? It is funny how you can judge everyone commenting on this page as if we know nothing about drugs, crimes or the problems they cause. I am pretty sure each and every citizen in this entire city and state can make reference to a family member or close friend that has been involved with drugs and the law.
Then again from your little confessional, it sounds alot like you had or have a habit, and were so pathetic in your own life that you have enough regrets for the rest of us.
If you read any of the studies and investigations, you would see that more than 80% of all meth users advance to manufacturing to attempt to eliminate the dealer and in turn become a dealer.
p.s., 10 grams of meth is a major issue. So until you are willing to admit that, I think you "citygirl" should keep your trap shut.
Posted by yepUbetchya (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
p.p.s., if I burn my neighbor's house down, that is also a crime. but I guess where you are from that is OK too.
Posted by JL (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Citygirl wow what a thing to put in the paper. This is some what of a small town and besides that any amount of meth is a lot....no matter what CITY you're from. I have followed this whole thing on Brad and yes some is a crock but look at all the things they left out....selling to minors....that's a biggy in my book and besides he is sentenced and will serve his time lets leave it at that and start making the punishments worse so we as a community don't have to deal with this. From my last comment lets give out KIDS a SAFE FUTURE and not let them think that 10 grams is nothing it's ridiculous and needs to be stopped.
Posted by topher (anonymous) on October 18, 2007 at 11:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This country is unknowingly trying to fight a greater battle then it knows. For the thoughts you have all given about Brads case is your own. The problem with a meth user is when there using they do not comprehend right from wrong. For when they are helped in the recovery of this horrible addiction they come back one day closer to what we call real life. So for a sentence with the petty criminals of the drug war they should be institutionalized with the teachings of how to help us all understand the nature of addiction. Our children need something different then what we have to offer in order to make at least a little headway with the path of saving others. This writing is a plea for all of us as Americans to maybe start trying to figure out some other way of life then just horrifying people to obey the law. I to have witness this drugs demolition in the path of the human race. I do not believe just putting people though treatment and jail is a cure for the problem at hand. We take our own freedoms away with the insane way we have dealt with the meth problem. So if any more comments on how much time a person should sit incarcerated. We should figure out a new path to eliminating the source of methamphetamines.
Posted by hohohed (anonymous) on October 21, 2007 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Do you smoke? Do you drink alcohol? Do you drink too much coffee? How about addicted to food or chocolate? Have you ever tried to quit your addiction? Is or was it easy? Maybe you are perfect and have no flaws or issues of your own. How would you like it if you got torn apart for your biggest mistake you've ever made? Brad screwed up HUGE and knows it. I have known Brad for almost 30 years and through these years he has done good for many people and the community. Donated time, money, and supplies for benifits, events of many kinds and types. That in my eyes makes him a great person with a very large heart. Is he perfect? No! Neither am I. I'm just so glad I can admitt it. Huh,I guess that makes Brad and I human.It seems there is so few of us out there at least that are honest about it. HE HAS A ADDICTION ! HELP,DON'T HURT. He knew he had a problem and truely wanted help, but he didn't know how to get it. Maybe people need to look in the mirror before they are so hateful. All I'm really feeling from these comments is how sad it is in the lack of loving christians we really have in such a small area as ours. We are to forgive our neighbors. Our job is not to crusifie him. We are to learn from this and help where and when we can. Shame on you hateful people go find some love in your heart for another persons problem and pain. Find some love for yourself I know I feel sorry for you. To Brad and his wonderful family I LOVE YOU ! Hang in there true friends like myself will always stand tall for you and be there when your down.
P.S. You belong here in our community more than most so I guess they have the problem then they should move. You know the old saying... If you don't like the way I look then DON'T LOOK AT ME . If you don't like me then GO AWAY FROM ME !! CUZ I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU THINK OF ME OR IF YOU LIKE ME!!! SMILES.
Hang tough there are more then you think that LOVE YOU MAN!
Posted by hohohed (anonymous) on October 22, 2007 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
minivanmom no, im not as you put it hosed I have been his true friend for many many years and I'm not a friend only when times are good. I'm a friend no matter what problem or situation comes up. If their were more people who would stand by one another through thick and thin maybe as a country we would be more united as a whole. We could lean on one another when we need too and possibly with the strenghth of another we together could stand strong. As I've said previously I feel sorry for people like you. Find some love and peace within yourself and a whole new world will open up to you. Try to be a friend a REAL FRIEND to someone unconditionally it feel good and the feeling alone will make you smile within. Try it you might just like it! Good luck minivanmom finding true happiness in life and if you do enjoy its awesome !!!!!!!! SMILES.
HEY RUSSELLS I LOVE YOU ALL YESTERDAY,TODAY, AND TOMORROW.
Posted by JL (anonymous) on October 22, 2007 at 7:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hohohed this isn't the place to preach to people....kudos to you on being such a good friend, but the fact of the matter is that not all people see this how you do....He couldn't find help???? Um we have a treatment right here in Fergus and if you are such a great Christian and friend why didn't you help him??? So lay off you are doing the same thing to all who post comments so that would make you a hypocrite.
Posted by JL (anonymous) on October 22, 2007 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ps. It's not okay for us to express our thoughts and feelings about a person who has done wrong, but it is okay for you to put us down and say that we are not human. You would make your point a lot stronger if you didn't do what you just got done telling us not to do. May peace and happiness be with Brad's family.
Posted by hohohed (anonymous) on October 23, 2007 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have tried to help as a friend so I am not a hypocrite. He did go through a treatment facility but not in town. I also never called anyone non-human I just stated we can admitt it. I feel sorry for people who carry so much anger and hate in there heart.I have read court documents from this case and one thing I can say is there is alot more to this and people involved then you or I would ever think.The media has not stated on alot of facts that would suprise most and shock the rest. All I'm trying to say is find kindness and peace within yourself if you can, and you may realize that putting someone down as so many have doesn't make you a better person then the ones your destroying. Your hurting yourself and them. A smile or hug is a much better thing to spread than anger. I am not preaching I have not recited the bible nor do I plan too. I have stated a side to man that seems to have gotten lost in people. Why is it that our world has come to accept so much negative and forgot that a little positive goes so much farther. I thank my parents who are passed for giving me warmth in my heart and being a strong enough person to have it over power anger and that I can keep with me forever and nobody can ever take it away. Whatever your views are they are yours . My views are mine. Thats what makes you you and me me . I have not personally tried to hurt anyone for their views nor tried to attacked them, I've only stated I feel for them and in this situation it's sad for them. Is it so wrong of me to feel for other people? I am sad for the anger they seem to carry when happiness weighs so much less. And, in the end i still wish you all to have a great day. SMILES. LOVE YOU MAN!!!!
Posted by JL (anonymous) on October 23, 2007 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
right on minivanmom..... lets think of our kids futures and hohohed you make a good point spread the love and happiness my parents have also taught me to love and care about people, BUT when someone tears apart families and has no remorse during I have to draw issue with that. The only time I have seen remorse is when he got caught. The crime was done and now the time will be done...I wish the best for his family and hope they have found someone strong to help them through this horrible time. The fact of the matter is that Brad has not only hurt his family but several others by contributing to their addiction as well....this I know personally. Yes it was their decision to make but Brad supplied it for them...This is a sad story for the family but not for Brad he knew what would happen in the end...unless he still had the thought that he was god's gift to anything and invisible to the law because of his connection to the community as he often said while using.
Posted by liteshine (anonymous) on October 23, 2007 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ADDICTION: An addiction is a recurring compulsion by an individual to engage in some specific activity, despite harmful consequences to the individuals health, mental state or social life. The term is often reserved for drug addictions but it is sometimes applied to other compulsions, such as problem gambling, compulsive overeating, and hyperreligiosity[1] Factors that have been suggested as causes of addiction include genetic, biological/pharmacological and social factors.
Posted by liteshine (anonymous) on October 23, 2007 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Any addiction, regardless of what kind, is a "thinking and living problem". The vast majority of people who develope an addiction, again....whether it's food, alcohol, gambling, drugs....are all trying to cope with some kind of emotional pain they have experienced in their lifetime. It could be abuse, abandonment, or whatever. It is a result of not having learned how to face the problem, and to know how to cope with it. I am saying this from first hand experience. I have been there. I just didn't happen to choose drugs as my escape.
I came from a well-known family in this town. If people knew who was writing this, they would be "surprised, shocked or appalled" that someone such as myself could be labeled an "addict". The point is, I made some very bad choices when I was in a very weak and vulnerable time in my life. I did not think of the consequences. At the time, I thought I had found an escape for the "prison" I felt like I was in my life, not knowing at the time, that in my "addiction", I was creating an even worse sentence for myself. It didn't occur to me in the midst of my addiction, that I was hurting anyone else.
I "got caught", just like Brad, and even that didn't stop me. But I finally got help, at first, because it was forced on me. But it worked. In the anonymous program, I heard someone say that "your friends and family, and those around you will never fully understand what you are experiencing, and why. The only way they will, is if they are there themselves, and we pray for their sake, that they never will find themselves in this wretched place."
I thank God everyday for my family, and those who loved and cared about me enough to not give up on me, who helped me get through some very difficult times. I will also say, that without God, I would not be here today. I couldn't help myself. I tried, but it never worked. I felt as though I was in the deepest, darkest hole there was, and felt totally helpless.
An addict feels invincible. At first. An addict has no conception of when they cross the line into addiction. Once there, is it very difficult to find the way out. Yes...there is help, but out of pride and embarrassment, and a messed up mind, it is difficult to "walk through the door" to get that help.
Yes, Brad got help after he got caught. At least he has the courage to face the consequences, and not give up. Some of us "addicts", end up better people in the end. As for me, I am grateful I went through it. It helped me to get myself out of an abusive situation, and become a better person in the long run.
My prayers are with Brad, and his family.
Posted by hohohed (anonymous) on October 23, 2007 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
liteshine thank you for your words. I am proud of you even though I don't know who you are. Support is such a key in recovery and people who you can trust to be there. I thank you for your words of wisdom. SMILES TO YOU LITESHINE !!!
Posted by Norse (anonymous) on October 25, 2007 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Better Yet, if you are aware that people are buying, using and selling these drugs which are 'running wide open', and YOU LOVE THEM....Then put your foot down and show the tough love. Confront them, tell them how their actions are effecting other people, and their own health.
If you Truly Loved Them, YOU would Stop Them.
Also, I see Brad entered a plea, which means the crime and sentence was not reviewed by a group of Brad's peers. I wonder why BRAD chose not to excercise his legal right to a jury trial, if he was as some claim 'a good innocent guy'?
And Wow, 132 dollars with 30 months lock-up. I thought this state was going to get tough on drug crimes.
Posted by liteshine (anonymous) on October 25, 2007 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree that more families need to take an aggressive and active role in getting help for their loved ones, if they are aware that the problem exists. Yes, being able to practice "tough love" is what has to be done. Sometimes, the ones closest to the person with the problem go through stages of denial, carrying on with the hope that it will get better. Unfortunately, it usually gets worse, much worse, before reality strikes, and by that time, things have gotten so out of control, the family doesn't know how to deal with it. I believe that there is a great calling for "interventionists". They need to be located in every city, easily accessable, and affordable. Perhaps if the fines were stiffer, the funds could be used to compensate them. People who are addicts need help, not condemnation. Most of them, underneath the drug or alcohol, are very good people. Let's put more energy into finding a solution to the problem, than in casting slanderous comments to those who have a problem and need help.
Posted by Granny (anonymous) on October 26, 2007 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Anyone notice that there was a young gal (went to court day after Brad) who has 2 kids and did all the same things as Brad she got 10 years. She is also a parent, a child, a sister, niece and etc. Gee if you want to dance u gotta pay for the band. She is my rele and I won't feel sorry for anyone who does these things. They just need to know we want them to get help and that we still love and care for them and support them as they do the time and go straight. Hopefully, they can.
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)