Parolee charged with giving heroin to man who died
A parolee is accused of providing heroin at an Ypsilanti Township mobile home community in April that resulted in a man’s death.
Mick Russell, 31, of Belleville was arraigned Wednesday afternoon at the Washtenaw County Jail on a charge of delivering a controlled substance resulting in death.
Russell
He is accused of providing heroin at about 8:57 p.m. April 11 at a mobile home community at 117 South Harris Road that resulted in the death of 51-year-old Dennis Ray Steele, court records show.
Sgt. Thomas Pennington, a sheriff's department spokesman, did not respond to a request seeking comment.
Russell's wife, 31-year-old Misty Russell, said she thinks it's ridiculous her husband was charged in the death of a man he'd been friends with for years.
She said her husband told her that night that he found Steele dead at Steele's home, where a total of four people had been partying all day, doing drugs. It's a tragedy, she said.
She said there's a difference between killing someone and partying with someone.
"My husband called 911," she said. "He administered CPR as instructed. He stayed until police and rescue arrived. It scares me that it's going to make people afraid to call 911."
Her husband, who has two children and is unemployed, has a criminal record dating back more than 15 years, state Department of Corrections records show. On Aug. 26, 2010, he was paroled after serving nearly three years in prison for unarmed robbery.
Court records show that the recent drug case is not the first time Russell's been charged with a crime at the mobile home community.
When he was 16, Russell and another teenager were accused of attempting to kill a teenager with a Molotov cocktail at the park. Russell pleaded guilty to manufacturing explosives with unlawful intent and was sentenced to between 3 and 5 years in prison, court records show.
He also has convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm, assault with a dangerous weapon, possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony and larceny in a building.
At Wednesday's arraignment, Magistrate Camille Horne set bond at $25,000 cash or surety and agreed to appoint a public defender to represent Russell, records show. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 19.
If convicted, Russell could be sentenced to up to life in prison.
Officials at the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner’s Office would not release any information about Steele’s death on Thursday.
Washtenaw County officials also denied an AnnArbor.com Freedom of Information Act request seeking the cause and manner of death. In denying the request, the county’s risk management coordinator wrote that the information is part of a criminal investigation.
Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com.
Comments
AACity12
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:56 p.m.
Don't sell drugs and this won't happen.
BhavanaJagat
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:56 a.m.
The problem of Substance Abuse : Firstly, I have nothing against Mick Russell and his situation definitely evokes feelings of sympathy. Apparently, the case is under investigation, and they may have discovered some evidence to frame charges. I had lived in Indian Himalayan Mountain Frontier Agency Area where the locals use Opium Poppy. They grow the plants and extract opium for their communal use. Government of India never took any action against these tribal people and they were treated with respect and dignity. Government made an attempt to educate these innocent people about the problems involved in the use of such addictive substances. There was no criminal action if a person dies on account of narcotic poisoning. However, they were not expected to sell or export opium to people of other regions. The sale to pharmaceutical companies is controlled. They were strictly allowed to use opium if they wanted to use it as part of their traditional lifestyle or custom. Opium is far safer than heroin. The problem of heroin is prevalent among urban population and it is not a matter of culture or tradition. In Armed Forces, I was able to curb drug use as it functions on the foundation of discipline and training is the tool that we use to enforce discipline. In civilian population, we have no real tools to fight drug abuse. We need to address the problem as a health care issue and impart education to people to understand all the aspects of human well-being. We have to intervene before people get addicted. It would not be an impossible task.
tinkerbell
Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 4:55 a.m.
Too bad the wife is such an enabler
YourAngel
Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 1:20 p.m.
yea, it's gotta really suck to have someone that actually loves you ;) "tinkerbell"...lol
mickrussellproject1
Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 3:25 a.m.
WE are responsible for our own actions, WE decide what we do each and every day. When i see something killing people, that definately doesn't make me want to do it, its like something i'm sure many of us heard as a child "if Mick jumps off of a bridge are you going to do it?" Lee said he was denied info which the FOIA says he should have access to, laws were put into place about the FOIA, where's that getting us right now? The reporter in this case was DENIED access to the M/E's report and Washtenaw County officials would not release any info. It appears some guys, all addicted to drugs were partying TOGETHER, using the same drugs, it could have just as easily been any of them who died, would someone have dialed 911 for them, what will you do if you're put in a similar situation? Steele's criminal record - MDOC #169340, it dates back to the 80's: Malicious Destruction of Fire or Police Property, Malicious Destruction Personal Prop, Resisting, Obstructing Officer, Transport Contraband Into Prison,Controlled Substance-Possess Narcotic/Cocaine < 25 Grams, Controlled Substance-Delivery/Manf., Nar/Coc <50 Grams , Controlled Substance-Delivery/Manf., Nar/Coc <50 Grams, Asslt w/Int Gr Bod Hrm Less Murder - I believe he was still on parole for this last one. That doesn't mean anything negative should happen to him, just that he's been making his own decisions for a long time. Seems to be a lot of DRUG CONVICTIONS in his past. This is a tragedy and could happen to anyone, there's a bigger picture. This is an epedemic that is being approached in the wrong manner.
YourAngel
Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 1:18 p.m.
thank you for your support
captain_k
Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 1:52 a.m.
" It scares me that it's going to make people afraid to call 911." people who could have been saved die all the time because their 'friends' are scared of being arrested if they call 911. there is something very wrong with that.
mickrussellproject1
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:56 a.m.
Most of them are drug users, people smoking weed, drinking, sniffing, shooting up, taking Rx meds... a bunch of people using drugs together, many people all over the world have died from all of the above, if only someone were there to call 911, if only those that were there had called 911
tinkerbell
Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 4:54 a.m.
Why aren't they afraid of being around drug users
slave2work
Fri, Oct 14, 2011 : 10:18 p.m.
The one point in this crime.. Is this man is on parole which generally includes not having a weapon.. or being around drugs at all. or the use of alcohol. This is a probation violation if nothing else. chris 8.. my condolences sir, your mother also. It is so hard to watch the downward spiral of someone we care about.
mickrussellproject1
Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 2:35 a.m.
it's not mentioned that everyone in this situation was in violation of their parole, not just the accused
Mike
Fri, Oct 14, 2011 : 9:27 p.m.
Put it in the news every time a herion user dies, put it on MTV, put it on reality TV shows, say it over and over again in schools, show pictures. There is too much tolerance in this country for drugs and we wonder why kids go from marijuana and then try other things. Why not??????????
mickrussellproject1
Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 2:34 a.m.
When I see something killing everyone around me, so many young people dying from something, this heroine epidemic, it doesn't make me want... "if Someone jumps off a bridge, are you going to jump too?" I'm sure everyone heard that saying as a kid!
BhavanaJagat
Fri, Oct 14, 2011 : 5:28 p.m.
Pain and Compassion : Many of us may be knowing about the trial of a doctor in Los Angeles who is involved in the death of Michael Jackson. Delivering of a narcotic substance is illegal and must be punished. The person who delivers drugs is not experiencing a basic human emotion called 'compassion'. When we witness pain, or suffering in another person, our human nature generates an instinctual response called compassion. Such compassionate response gives us the uplifting energy that is needed to help the victim. Since drug addiction is a problem affecting a large number of people in the community, we must understand the nature of pain and compassion. <a href="http://bhavanajagat.com/2010/06/01/pain-and-compassion-philosophy-of-medicine/" rel='nofollow'>http://bhavanajagat.com/2010/06/01/pain-and-compassion-philosophy-of-medicine/</a>
mickrussellproject1
Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 2:30 a.m.
The person who delivers the drugs should be punished, NOT the person that was doing them with the deceased...innocent until proven guilty, doesn't seem to look that way.
Oscar
Fri, Oct 14, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.
As a recovering addict of 15 yrs. I find it how to believe the dealer is at fault. Addicts make choices with consequences. They know that. Unless the dealer cut the heroin with something that could kill someone..I see nothing malicious on his part. Sure he is guilty of having a controlled substance, but the addict/user is accountable for his own life. Blaming the dealer isn't bringing anyone back. The person using, makes the choice of life or death. Some choose life(rehab and recovery) most don't. Although I am saddened to hear users/addicts die..they are ultimately the ones responsible for their choices and lives.
mickrussellproject1
Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 2:45 a.m.
I agree with you Oscar, congrats on your continued recovery. I've never experienced an addiction to drugs & those of us who haven't can't really relate. I grew up surrounded by drugs - dealers & users, criminals of every sort were always around, most of my family members followed that path. As I grew older, I learned right from wrong, I chose what I would do with my life. I am very successful in my career, in all that I do. I chose which path to walk down. Bottom line is we choose what we do, we are responsible for our own actions.
Gordon
Fri, Oct 14, 2011 : 12:52 p.m.
OK, here is a case where we see this guys past record & immediately convict him. Here's a case where his past record proves the point "going to prison just increases the activity when they get out." Now, did he do it? Don't know till convicted. Does a past record convict you? I hope not because a few do turn themselves around & still suffer the restrictions trying to get ahead. $30,000 prison cost a year & we solve nothing. Maybe this time he was the good guy? If you have been isolated (prison, military duty) what friends do you seek out? The last you knew. The above comments are on track there are a lot of victims here. This is a system fault. Parents, lack of parents, mistakes, mental illness, and host of circumstances way beyond are ability to count all play part in the case. How do we stop children? But, quit complaining, look for a solution, a system, a method, something that gives respect to people who then can respect others. I'm a conservative independant; but I know if I can't get a job & my loved ones are not eating I will do what's expediant. From the comments I read on bothe liberal & conservative I suspect many are voicing the same idea without realizing it. For his sake - I hope he amde a foolish decision & not a criminal act.
mickrussellproject1
Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 3:13 a.m.
Crazy that it's not mentioned, paint the picture they want to be seen.FOIA at its best ?
ViSHa
Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 2:46 a.m.
wow MRP, that's quite a laundry list.
mickrussellproject1
Fri, Oct 14, 2011 : 1:31 p.m.
MDOC Number: 169340 is not mentioned at all and unfair
Davidian
Fri, Oct 14, 2011 : 11:09 a.m.
It's just crazy. Unless you've been living in a cave for the last 100 years, you certainly know the dangers of doing heroin. Yet people continue to use it and die from it. I don't see this guy as directly responsible, but he is accountable. There should be some kind of legal consequences. But I agree: I just don't see the intent.
mickrussellproject1
Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 2:39 a.m.
Only accountable if he had indeed delivered it, I agree with Gordon, his past is put on display and everyone assumes guilty. I didnt see any drug convictions or charges in his past. i did some research and it seems everyone involved in this tragic event have a nasty criminal past.
Tru2Blu76
Fri, Oct 14, 2011 : 3:40 a.m.
Chris 8 is absolutely right about heroine use. Adding: crystal meth and crack cocaine are "right up there" along with heroine as ruiners and destroyers of life. What grinds me is that "libertarians" and other ideologues from both right and left keep peddling the insane notion that drug use is "victimless." Hah! Look at the photo of Mr. Mick Russell, the alleged perpetrator in this case: I think anyone with common sense knows (after reading his criminal record) how "victimless" his acts have been. Should he be convicted, I hope everyone realizes that the prosecutor is probably desperate to get this man put away for as long as possible. I for one will look the other way when justice gets a break which benefits society more than the criminal. My sympathy goes out to this guy's children: what a cloud to be living under. I hope and pray that they'll both get every break toward becoming happy and successful adults.
mickrussellproject1
Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 3:06 a.m.
<a href="http://mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=169340" rel='nofollow'>http://mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=169340</a>
Chris 8 - YPSI PRIDE
Fri, Oct 14, 2011 : 12:30 a.m.
My 28 year old brother lost his life after a battle with heroin addiction. Yes he did make the choice to experiment with this substance and it put his whole life in to a death spiral. Before he was introduced to this horrible drug he was climbing up in his life to be a talented and knowledgable Electrician. Within a year every tool he earned right down to his ladder was pawned to give a dealer money. This dealer was like the devil. He had a system where he timed pretty well about when his customers would be needing their next fix and it turned out he was there just about at the right time every time. My brother became his puppet. When my brother was found dead after being missing for 2 days you know where this dealer went? FREE ! He walked away free. There were no laws in place at the time for this type of situation. My mother will never be the same person. I am a walking time bomb waiting to explode at the first person that even thinks about offering me herion. This tore apart my family. There are laws in place now in the state this took place in to hold a dealer responsible for the death of a person who sells the fatal dose to the user. This dealer missed it by 3 months. Unless you have been directly affected by a similar situation, you have no idea how important a law like this is. I made sure the police knew the dealer was dealing and he eventually did get caught. Problem is he is going to walk free one day and myself and my family can not do a dam thing about it. There may not be intent to cause a death, but the possibility is always there. The dealer knew this, and he should have been punished accordingly. I am very happy to know there is something on the books in Michigan to deal with a situation like this, and this is a case I will watch closely. If what is alleged here is found to be true I hope the maximum sentence is imposed without the possibility of parole. Herion use is an epedemic out of control and it is a threat to the security of this Country.
Chris 8 - YPSI PRIDE
Sat, Oct 15, 2011 : 6:13 p.m.
In reply to Oscar, my belief is that the accountability is going to have to be to ones Creator as to why they abused the gift of life and their Temple of God (body) in such a way, my Brother included.
Oscar
Fri, Oct 14, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.
And the accountability of one not treating his disease is where?
Chris 8 - YPSI PRIDE
Fri, Oct 14, 2011 : 10:42 a.m.
I do appreciate the condolences. Thank you very much. I would like to make it clear again that my Brother did make the choice to experiment with this drug, knowing well it was highly addictive. He is without question partially responsible for his fate. The dealer however continued in a ruthless manner fueling an addiction. It was all about money on his part and some BS story about feeding his child. After some sleuthing by Myself and my Mother, it turned out he had over 30 people he was either delivering this to or were knocking on his door all hours of the day and night. With the self destruct mode that my Brother went in to, it scares me to know how many lives just this guy alone helped destroy. The police say he was a low level street dealer. The thought of a high level dealer is mind boggling to me. Meth, crack, prescription pills, are all in the mix with the drug epedemic in ths USA. The dealers of these drugs should be held responsible as well. Anyone using any of these should really keep in mind that your next fix may be your last. With heroin its lights out within seconds, with crack and meth, just imagine the last sharp pain you feel when your heart litterally blows gasket inside your chest. Anyone using go get help, and when your thoughts are clear turn in the dealer. It can be done anonymously. I did at least get the satisfaction of letting the dealer know it was I who had him put away.
Tru2Blu76
Fri, Oct 14, 2011 : 3:26 a.m.
Chris: well said and you have my sympathy and support on the point you've made. Adding only: crystal meth and crack cocaine rank right along with heroine when it comes to ruining and destroying lives. Lost a niece to "crack" myself.
RJA
Fri, Oct 14, 2011 : 3:13 a.m.
Chris, the comment that was just deleted was mine. My heart goes out to you and your family, very well written.
Ron Granger
Fri, Oct 14, 2011 : 2:18 a.m.
Well said, Chris.
halflight
Fri, Oct 14, 2011 : 1:43 a.m.
Thanks Chris, for reminding us that this is NOT a victimless crime.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Oct 14, 2011 : 12:23 a.m.
"A parolee is accused of providing heroin at an Ypsilanti Township mobile home community in April that resulted in a man's death." I'll state the obvious that it was the use of the heroin, not the providing that caused the death.
Joe_Citizen
Thu, Oct 13, 2011 : 11:33 p.m.
What a shame, I would like to see how this is intent, invulnerable manslaughter, maybe.
Ricebrnr
Thu, Oct 13, 2011 : 11:30 p.m.
W w what?!?! How can this be? Is not heroin a "controlled" substance? Illegal to the masses and especially to parolees and felons? It is SO incredible as to be beyond belief!