Minnesota Man Charged with Possession of a Firearm and Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Ellsworth, Minnesota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Lugene Rayfeal Russell, age 46, was indicted on January 21, 2016. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 26, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about November 16, 2015, at Fort Thompson, Russell knowingly possessed a firearm and was a prohibited person, including having a prior felony. Russell also knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute marijuana.

The charges are merely an accusation and Russell is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan is prosecuting the case.   

Russell was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.