Former Greene DA charged with drunken driving
A former Greene County district attorney already facing charges for abusing his position for political gain has been charged with driving while drunk.
David Russo, 48, of Holbrook, was pulled over on Nov. 5 after a Waynesburg police officer saw him fail to signal while pulling onto High Street and then again while switching lanes, according to the complaint.
In the affidavit of probable cause filed on Monday, the officer described Russo’s eyes and watery and bloodshot, and said he was slurring his words when he spoke. The officer also noted a “strong odor of metabolized alcoholic beverages,” which became stronger as Russo spoke, according to the complaint.
Russo also appeared to have impaired thought processes, exhibiting delayed reaction time, “slow, inconsistent responses” and difficulty understanding simple questions, the officer wrote.
At the time Russo was pulled over, he had an unopened can of Miller Lite in a cup holder and an open case of Miller Lite in the back seat, according to the complaint. After going back to his patrol vehicle and returning, the officer noted the unopened can had disappeared from view.
Russo refused a field sobriety test, after which he was placed under arrest, the complaint said.
According to court paperwork, when the officer asked Russo if he would submit to a portable breath test, Russo responded “If you’re going to arrest me, go ahead and do it.”
Russo was then transported to his mother’s home, according to the complaint.
Russo is charged with driving under the influence, and was cited for not signaling, careless driving and public drunkenness.
He is already facing several criminal charges, including retaliation for past actions and official oppression, accused of using his office to go after political opponents during his one, four-year term in office.
He was defeated in the Republican primary while running for re-election in 2023.
He, along with his former chief investigator Zachary Sams, are awaiting the rescheduling of a change of venue hearing in that case while a new judge is appointed.
The DUI charges were sent to Russo via summons, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 15.
He is free on an unsecured $50,000 bond in the official oppression case.