SMITHFIELD – A convicted felon out of jail on bail awaiting trial on multiple charges was busted by undercover officers in Smithfield, on Tuesday.
Okevis Deon Russell of Michael Lane, Smithfield had been the focus of a four month investigation by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office. Russell reportedly sold cocaine three times to narcotic officers during the undercover operation.
Warrants were obtained for his arrest and on Tuesday he was spotted in a car on S. Brightleaf Boulevard near Wal-Pat Road. He attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by JCSO narcotic agents behind a convenience store.
Russell reportedly had a combined total of approximately 20 grams of cocaine and a half pound of marijuana in his possession and in the car during his apprehension.
The 43 year-old suspect is no stranger to law enforcement. On January 18, 2002 he was convicted of robbery with a dangerous weapon. On May 18, 2000, Russell was convicted of selling cocaine.
Russell was out of jail on bond awaiting trial at the time of Tuesday’s arrest after being indicted on July 16, 2024 by a Johnston County Grand Jury for felony fleeing to elude arrest, resisting a public officer, failure to stop for a stopsign, unsafe passing, speeding, and aggressive driving for a pursuit with the State Highway Patrol in Johnston County on June 1, 2024.
On May 9, 2024, Russell entered an Alford plea to felony possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana for a March 2023 arrest by NC Alcohol Law Enforcement. Russell was sentenced to 18 months probation, given credit for 2 days served in jail, and ordered to pay $670.50 in fines and court costs. As of December 18, 2024 the fees had not been paid, according to court records.
Russell was held without bond in the Johnston County Detention Center following his December 17 apprehension.
