Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Burglary and Pawn Unit

Erick Russell (Arrested)
DOB: 01/13/1982
Charges: Five counts of False Verification of Ownership

What:
Detectives arrested a former School Guardian after it was discovered he pawned his issued firearm and equipment multiple times between July 2, 2019 and August 1, 2019.  

Where:
The issued firearm and equipment were pawned at Value Pawn located at 29661 US 19 North in Clearwater.   

When:
The issued firearm and equipment were pawned on multiple occasions between July 2, 2019 and August 1, 2019.

The suspect was arrested at approximately 5:35 p.m., on September 18, 2019.  

How/Why: 
Detectives arrested a former School Guardian after it was discovered he pawned his issued firearm and equipment multiple times between July 2, 2019 and August 1, 2019.

Detectives say on September 5, 2019, 37-year-old Erick Russell was arrested by deputies for Domestic Battery and False Imprisonment. During the arrest, deputies learned Russell was employed as a School Guardian and collected his issued equipment that was provided by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

The issued equipment included a Glock 17 9mm handgun with two magazines, a Body Armor vest, and additional items that were issued for the sole purpose of performing the duties of a School Guardian.

Through the investigation, detectives were informed that Russell had previously pawned his issued firearm, magazines and vest, on multiple occasions, at Value Pawn located at 29661 US 19 North in Clearwater.   

Detectives were able to confirm Russell pawned his issued Glock 17 9mm firearm on July 3, 2019 for $200.00, and on July 17, 2019 for $60.00. Russell pawned two issued Glock 17 9mm magazines on July 2, 2019 for $10.00, and on August 1, 2019 for $15.00. Russell also pawned his issued Body Armor vest on July 26, 2019 for $200.00. Russell would then re-purchase the pawned items on later dates.

On September 18, 2019 at approximately 5:35 p.m., detectives interviewed Russell at the Sheriff’s Administration Building located at 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo. During the interview, Russell admitted to pawning the issued firearm and equipment due to needing gas money.

Detectives arrested Russell and charged him with five counts of False Verification of Ownership. Russell was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.  

The investigation continues.

Booking photo of Russell