HARRISBURG, PA — This week, charges were formally announced against former Greene County District Attorney David Russo and former Chief Detective Zachary Sams, following findings by the 51st Statewide Investigating Grand Jury. The charges arise from allegations linked to conflicts with other county officials and the alleged misuse of their official powers.
David Russo, aged 47, from Holbrook, Greene County, and Zachary Sams, aged 40, from McDonald, Washington County, have been charged with Retaliation for Past Official Action, Official Oppression, and Conspiracy. Russo faces additional charges of Conflict of Interest and Misapplication of Entrusted Property. This morning, Russo was arrested and appeared before Magisterial District Judge Tom Ankrom, where bail was set at $50,000 unsecured. Sams has been summoned to court.
The allegations stem from events where Russo allegedly sought to leverage his role for personal and political gain. A notable point of contention involved the Victim Witness Coordinator (VWC) position, which faced a vacancy during Russo’s tenure. Disregarding county protocol, Russo did not inform the HR department of the need for a replacement, prompting the county commissioners to appoint a new VWC under their direct supervision. Russo reportedly responded by advising local law enforcement against cooperating with the newly appointed VWC, suggesting potential criminal investigations if they did.
In another incident, amidst the 2022 electoral period, criminal allegations surfaced against an attorney who had previously run against Russo. It is alleged that Russo urged swift action against the attorney despite being advised to recuse himself due to a conflict of interest.
Furthermore, Sams executed a search warrant at the Greene County 911 Center, seizing emergency medical kits under claims of misappropriation. The Grand Jury noted that this seizure appeared to align with efforts to form a SWAT team under Russo’s direction, despite resistance from county commissioners.
Additionally, an audit of the District Attorney’s forfeiture account revealed irregularities, prompting a Right-To-Know request. Although the subsequent release of the audit report by the County Controller’s Office did not violate any laws, Sams pursued a criminal investigation. However, authorization for search warrants in this matter was denied by a Superior Court Judge due to the absence of a criminal basis.
In another electoral episode, Russo’s refusal to participate in a re-casting of lots for ballot placement during the 2023 Pennsylvania Primary led to his name being placed last. Sams then initiated an investigation into this decision, resulting in charges against a County Commissioner and the County Solicitor. The Office of Attorney General, after reviewing these charges, withdrew them due to a lack of legal and factual support.
Attorney General Michelle Henry stated, “District Attorneys and their deputies serve a critical role in our criminal justice system to represent the interests of the state, seek justice for victims, and uphold the law in an equitable, unbiased manner. They also have a serious responsibility to exercise discretion and wield the power of their authority within the confines of the law.”
Senior Deputy Attorney General Heather Serrano, Deputy Attorney General Aaron McKendry, and Senior Deputy Attorney General James Price will prosecute the case.
It is crucial to remember that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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