A Southaven man being sentenced on drug charges now faces felony escape charges as well, after eluding officers for a brief time Monday following sentencing.
The DeSoto County District Attorney’s office said Stephen Graham Russell, Jr., age 27 of Southaven, was in circuit court to be sentenced for trafficking fentanyl. Russell made his appearance in court and the judge ordered him into custody. He had been out on bond prior to Monday’s court appearance.
“While escorted to the transport vehicle, the individual claimed to be experiencing a medical emergency,” said Sheriff Thomas Tuggle in a statement. “As deputies attempted to provide aid, the individual tried to flee.”
Stephen Russell Jr.
Russell reportedly went to his vehicle parked nearby and deputies chased after him on foot. However, Russell was able to drive away and headed west on Commerce Street away from the courthouse.
The escape didn’t get very far, however, as he was stopped by Hernando police officers and bailiffs less than a mile from the courthouse.
Russell now is in the DeSoto County Adult Detention Center with felony escape charges added to his sentencing on fentanyl trafficking charges.
District Attorney Matthew Barton said Russell was sentenced to 10 years in prison on the drug charges, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision. Barton said he plans for further charges against Russell to now be filed.
“Our office is actively looking into pursuing additional charges from his actions that put others in danger, which could result in additional years to his existing sentence,” Barton said.
According to information provided by the District Attorney’s office, Russell was accused after making an illegal sale of drugs to a confidential informant.
After the sale was made, officers got and executed a search warrant of his hotel room at the Baymont Inn in Horn Lake. The search resulted in finding 144 fentanyl pills, over three grams of fentanyl, a scale, a handgun, and marijuana. Russell later confessed to possessing and intending to distribute these substances.
“Fentanyl remains one of the most lethal drugs impacting our entire country, including ours, and this conviction sends a strong message that we will continue to hold drug traffickers accountable,” Barton said.
