Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 4, 1994 TAG: 9403040167
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
Robert Russell was sentenced Jan. 25 to five years in prison for taking $13,650 from the group while he served as its treasurer. The judge suspended four years of the sentence, and Russell resigned from the Senate.
Last week, the Chesterfield Republican decided not to appeal his conviction and was told he could serve his sentence on home detention.
Russell said if he "doesn't wander off the reservation," he will be eligible for parole in three to four months.
Russell, the only Virginia senator in recent history convicted of a felony, said he's working on chores and personal business.
"I'm not just sitting here staring out the window. I'm catching up on my own life," he said.
Russell said he decided against an appeal because "the damage is done."
He maintains he had the right to use the cycling club funds.
In November, a Chesterfield County jury found him guilty of embezzling from the nonprofit cycling club in which his son was a member and he was treasurer.
"I expect my name is completely ruined," Russell said. "I'm 52. I want to get on with life."
Between March and December 1992, Russell wrote 12 checks for cash totaling $13,650 from Richmond Velo Sports' account and deposited the money in his personal account, according to testimony. He repaid some of the money but was ordered to reimburse the club another $6,750.
Russell's attorney, Dennis Dohnal, said Russell asked to defer his restitution payments until after he is paroled.
The $450 monthly payments were to begin March 1.
Chesterfield County Sheriff Clarence Williams said he decided Russell could enter the county's home detention program after a Sheriff's Office investigation, which included a criminal background check. Russell has no prior criminal record.
Williams, also a Republican, said he treated Russell "the same as anyone else."
If Russell violates the detention rules, he will be arrested, Williams said. Russell wears a monitoring device.
About 25 of the county's 400 inmates are participating in the home detention program.
The cycling team coach, Lee Piper, said he is not opposed to home detention for Russell.
"The only thing I ever wanted was for the kids to get their money back," Piper said.
Russell's son, Thomas, abandoned plans to compete on the 1996 Olympic cycling team.
by CNB