
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, July 20, 1993                   TAG: 9307200517
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short

SENATOR INDICTED IN EMBEZZLING

State Sen. Robert Russell was indicted Monday on two felony embezzlement counts stemming from his handling of funds raised by a bicycle racers' booster group.

Russell, a Chesterfield County Republican, was indicted by a Chesterfield County Circuit Court grand jury. He was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond pending trial. A date is to be set next Monday.

Prince William County Commonwealth's Attorney Paul Ebert, a special prosecutor in the case, said the charges stem from two incidents involving Russell's work for Richmond Velo Sports, a nonprofit group that supports amateur bicycle racers.

The first occurred between March 17 and Sept. 17, 1992, and the second between March 17 and Dec. 7, 1992, Ebert said.

"In each case, you're talking about embezzling more than $200 from the cycling club," Ebert said. He declined to give the exact amount involved.

Russell, 51, would face up to 20 years in prison on each count if he is convicted. He would have to give up the Senate seat he has held since 1984.

Russell said he would continue his duties as a senator pending the outcome of a trial. "I'm not guilty of anything," he said outside the courthouse.

by CNB