Transient man sentenced to 17 months in prison for meth possession after domestic battery

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez today announced that Steven Lorenzo Russell, 34, was sentenced to 17 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for possessing methamphetamine that was discovered following a domestic battery incident.

Charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on April 23, 2023, when Lawrence Police were called to the 700 block of Alabama Street for a report of loud argument in the street. A witness reported that she saw Russell arguing with a woman before the witness saw Russell grab the woman by her neck. The woman was the victim in a previously reported domestic violence incident where Russell was arrested and after which a protective order was issued. While arresting Russell, police found methamphetamine in his pocket.

In November 2023, Russell pleaded no contest to a felony count of possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor counts of domestic battery and violation of a protective order. Russell was sentenced to six months in jail for the domestic battery conviction and 12 months in jail for violating a protective order. The sentences in all three convictions are to run concurrently.

“We are dedicated to providing support to domestic abuse survivors, ensuring that their safety is prioritized, and that justice is pursued on their behalf,” District Attorney Valdez said. 

Senior Assistant District Attorney Adam Carey represented the State of Kansas. The matter was investigated by the Lawrence Kansas Police Department.

Judge Amy Hanley also sentenced Russell to 12 months of post-release supervision.