Feds nab another in drug, gun case

By Joe Pinchot
Herald Staff Writer

SHARON, FARRELL Tue, May 13 2008

— Federal authorities unsealed an indictment Monday against Robert D. “R.R.” Russell, one of 16 people charged in a federal crackdown by federal, state and local agents on drug and gun dealing in Farrell and Sharon.
Also this week, Dawn R. Belleville pleaded not guilty to a charge filed as part of the same crackdown.
Russell, 24, of 815 Market Ave., Farrell, was indicted Feb. 5 on a charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine.
He allegedly sold 2 ounces of crack to a confidential informant for $2,000 Oct. 1 at an undisclosed location in Farrell, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti. Audio recordings of the deal were made by a recording device hidden on the informant, and photographs were taken by policemen who observed the sale, Rivetti said.
Rusell was arrested Feb. 12 in South Carolina, and ordered by a federal judge there to be brought back to Pennsylvania.
Russell was arraigned in Pittsburgh March 17 and pleaded not guilty. U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Francis X. Caiazza ordered that Russell be jailed until trial because he has a history of failing to appear for court dates and absconding from parole and/or probation.
Russell also is facing charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia filed by Southwest Mercer County Regional police for an incident that occurred Oct. 14.
Ms. Belleville entered her not guilty plea Tuesday at her arraignment. She was indicted Feb. 5 on the charge of distribution and possession with intent to deliver 50 grams or more of crack. Details of the charge have not been made public, other than the alleged crime occurred June 6.
Ms. Belleville was arrested Feb. 26 in northern Ohio. U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge James S. Gallas, Cleveland, heard FBI testimony about her alleged drug activity, and ordered that she be detained until trial and transferred to Pittsburgh.
If convicted, Russell and Ms. Belleville each could be sentenced to 10 years to life imprisonment. The minimum sentence jumps if they were previously convicted of drug crimes punishable by imprisonment of a year or more.