SPRINGFIELD, MO– A Springfield, Missouri man is currently facing federal charges on both Methamphetamine and Firearms trafficking.
Russell Lee Deck, Age 47 was sentenced by US District Court Judge Brian C. Wimes to a total of 25 years in prison without parole followed by three years of supervised release.
On November 8th, 2024 Deck pleaded to conspiracy charges for smuggling large amount of methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm in firearm of the initial drug charge. Deck admitted he participated in the conspiracy to produce methamphetamine in Greene County and to possession of firearms from June 1st- August 25th, 2022.
On August 18th, 2022, A Springfield Police Officer stopped Deck to conduct a traffic stop in a Hotel parking lot. At which time, Deck put his vehicle in reverse and backed into the officer’s patrol car. After the officer failed to apprehend Deck, Deck led Springfield Police on a short pursuit after once more ramming into the aforementioned patrol car.
At the end of the pursuit, Deck crashed into a Jeep SUV at an intersection. While the driver of the SUV suffered no damage, the SUV itself suffered significant damage
Deck’s passenger, Blake Basten fled the vehicle on foot but was shortly apprehended after hiding under a car. Greene County deputies found shell casings and damage from gunfire around the neighborhood where Deck fled. Basten was sentenced to 10 years for two counts of possession of a firearm on February 27th, 2024.
Deck himself was placed into custody at which time, Officers found 46.2 grams of methamphetamine in his pockets as well as two handguns in the passenger side floorboard.
Co-defendant, Justin Hollingsworth was sentenced to 18 years for conspiracy to sell Methamphetamine and firearms on June 24th, 2024.
The Case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Stephanie Wan and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and firearms.
