Russell pleads guilty to eight felony charges

Billy Russell’s string of October thefts has netted him a six-year probation sentence.

In criminal court last week, Russell entered his guilty plea in the case that had him facing eight felony charges.

In October 2008, Russell allegedly went into two Jacksboro homes taking several items such as electronics, jewelry and weapons, according to Jacksboro Det. Mike Starrett. As Starrett investigated the allegations, he learned many of the items were at area pawnshops. However, a number of them had been sold by the time authorities located which shops the objects had been pawned at, Starrett’s report said.

While Starrett’s investigation was ongoing, Brandon Elkins, a detective with the sheriff’s department, was also looking into crimes it was believed Russell could be linked to.

Following up on reports that a break in had occurred at Industrial Park Drive in Jacksboro, Elkins learned a set of construction tools valued at $3,629 had allegedly been stolen, his report said.

The victim in this case told authorities he had seen Russell, who he believed was the suspect, at a Caryville pawnshop.

Another assumed victim of Russell suffered a $5,468 loss during this time. The second alleged victim told police he believed Russell had cut the locks from his storage unit then stolen seven pallets of soft drinks, Elkins’ report said.

Once arrested, Russell confessed to the allegations, court records said.

In court last week, he pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated burglary, two counts of burglary and four counts of theft over $1,000, the plea agreement said.

Russell was sentenced to six years probation, ordered to pay court costs and a $2,000 fine. Restitution for the victims will determined at a Feb. 23 hearing.