Accused Former Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Commits Suicide After Alleged Attempted Sexual Contact with Minor
A former Riverside County sheriff’s deputy, Anthony Russo, 52, who was arrested earlier this month for attempting to have sex with a minor, tragically took his own life last week at his Arrowbear Lake home, according to authorities. The San Bernardino County Coroner’s office confirmed his death, but details surrounding the suicide remain unclear.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Russo, who had been out on $50,000 bail after his arrest on Dec. 11 at Smith Correctional Facility, was found deceased inside his residence on Friday. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office expressed their condolences to the family and friends impacted by this heartbreaking loss, noting that they had no further information to provide as the case fell outside their jurisdiction.
Background and Allegations
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Special Investigations Bureau arrested Russo after receiving a tip that he was engaging in inappropriate communication with a minor. Russo, under the impression that he was communicating with a 15-year-old, shared sexually explicit content and attempted to arrange a meeting for sexual purposes. However, the individual he was communicating with turned out to be an undercover investigator.
Legal Consequences
Following his arrest, Russo was charged with one felony count of knowingly distributing harmful material by the Riverside County District Attorney’s office. He was scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 24 to address the allegations against him, but the tragic turn of events has left many unanswered questions.
Impact and Reflection
The news of Russo’s suicide has left the community in shock and raised concerns about the prevalence of such disturbing incidents. It serves as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of illegal and inappropriate behavior, especially when it involves minors. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Russo’s actions, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.