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	Russell Pleads Guilty to Two Charges By John Ford Neosho Daily News March 10, 2009 http://www.neoshodailynews.com/news/x1593367472/Russell-pleads-guilty-to-two-charges Pineville, Mo. - A rural Neosho self-proclaimed pastor pleaded guilty to two felony child sexual abuse charges this morning. Randall "Danny" Russell pleaded guilty to a Class B felony charge of first-degree child molestation and a Class B felony charge of sexual exploitation of a minor this morning in 40th Circuit Presiding Judge Tim Perigo's McDonald County Courtroom in Pineville. A sentencing hearing has been set for Oct. 19, according to Bill Dobbs, assistant Newton County prosecutor. "Under this offer, he will be sentenced to 15 years on each count, to run concurrently," said Dobbs. "We expect him to serve 85 percent of that sentence, or about 13 ½ years." Russell, 49, the pastor of Acts II Church in rural Neosho, entered the plea as part of a plea bargain agreement. He originally was charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, six counts of possession of child pornography, a count of second-degree statutory rape, two counts of first-degree sodomy, a count of felony child abuse, two felony counts of child molestation and a misdemeanor charge of child molestation. "I think this is a fair resolution," Dobbs said. "Certainly, we believe Mr. Russell was a danger to young people, particularly young females with whom he had social contact at his church. He admitted to both of these charges and described with some particular detail what occurred, which caused him to be charged with these charges." Allegations of child sexual abuse first came to light after an April 29 raid by the Newton County Sheriff's Department at the church, which is also the site of Russell's business, Garages & More, and his home. Deputies seized a computer from the business and several photographs of a nude juvenile girl from the church office. According to a probable cause affidavit, the photos were dated Dec. 21, 2003. Russell was bound over for trial when three women testified during a preliminary hearing that he had molested, sodomized or raped them when they were under age. Dobbs said the prosecutor's office had to balance both justice and the well-being of the victims, which led to the plea bargain agreement. The assistant prosecutor added the agreement spared the women the humiliation of having to testify during a trial. "On the other hand, Mr. Russell admitted to these charges and must be properly punished," Dobbs said. "Upon release from prison, he will be a registered sex offender for the rest of his life." While in a Department of Corrections prison, Russell will also have to complete a state sex offender program, which Dobbs said lasts about two years. "He must do that to be eligible for any type of release," Dobbs said. The remaining charges in the case have been dropped without prejudice. This means the charges can be refiled at any time until the statute of limitations runs out. For sexual abuse crimes against children, the statute of limitations is 10 years after the alleged victim's 18th birthday. For other charges, such as the possession of child pornography charges, the statute of limitations is three years.
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