Austin Lee Russell, star of Pawn Stars and better known to fans as Chumlee, is reportedly planning to take a plea deal on drug and weapons charges stemming from a police raid on his Las Vegas home in March.
If reports are to be believed, Russell has agreed to plead guilty to possession of marijuana and felony possession of a controlled drug. He will also plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of attempting to take possession of a handgun by an unauthorized person. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Russell intends to plead guilty to one count of attempted possession of a controlled substance. In addition to three years of probation, Russell must surrender the gun and drugs that police say were found on his property. He must also undergo treatment.
After police found 12 firearms, a kilogram of marijuana, and a small amount of methamphetamine, Russell was arrested on March 9. Police officers went to Russell’s home to investigate a sexual assault case. According to Fox News, if 33-year-old Russell does not violate the law, the criminal charges against him will be dropped. If not, he could serve two to five years in state prison. Russell was not charged in the sexual assault case after he was released despite posting $62,000 bail. Additionally, police found Xanax prescription pills in Russell’s home.
In a statement, Russell’s attorney, David Chesnoff, said they would evaluate the results and legality of the search in court. “Austin Russell and I have great faith in the justice system and hope the case will be resolved correctly.” Russell, 33, was taken into custody after a police raid on his Las Vegas home. Although the reason for the raid was a sexual assault investigation, Russell was not charged in the case. He was, however, charged with 19 firearms and drug offenses. According to sources, Russell had a reputation for organizing crazy parties. Last week, the network that airs the Pawn Stars show said it was simply letting the court system handle the situation, despite History Channel’s refusal to comment.