Probation for St. Charles woman in cocaine, pot bust
A St. Charles woman was sentenced to two years of probation after pleading guilty to reduced charges of cocaine possession from an arrest 13 months ago. Susanne L. Russell, 53, of the 43W700 block of Fescue Lane, originally faced up to 15 years in prison after she and co-defendant Michael Stellwagen were arrested after police found two ounces of cocaine and two pounds of marijuana at their home in January 2013, authorities said.
Under Russell's plea, which was accepted by Judge Susan Clancy Boles Thursday, prosecutors downgraded the most serious charge of possession of 15 to 200 grams of cocaine.
Russell also must undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation, pay approximately $7,400 in court costs and fines, and could be resentenced to up to three years in prison if she violates probation,
She did not have any previous criminal offenses in Kane County prior to her arrest.
“She's happy with the outcome of the plea. She wants to put this behind her,” defense attorney Richard Irvin said.
Members of the North Central Narcotics Task Force, a division of the Illinois State Police, arrested the two after seizing 51.2 grams of cocaine, 1,017 grams of marijuana and other items, such as scales.
Stellwagen, 43, also of the 43W700 block of Fescue Lane, is free on bond. He faces up to 30 years in prison on charges of possession with intent to deliver when his jury trial begins April 14.
Irvin said he did not know if Russell would be called as a witness in that case and said any decision is up to the Kane County state's attorney's office.