Charges have been filed against former Greene County District Attorney David Russo and former Chief Detective Zachary Sams, as announced by Attorney General Michelle Henry. The charges come after a presentment from the 51st Statewide Investigating Grand Jury.
David Russo, 47, from Holbrook in Greene County, and Zachary Sams, 40, from McDonald in Washington County, are facing allegations of using their positions to retaliate against county officials. This morning, Russo was arrested and appeared before Magisterial District Judge Tom Ankrom with bail set at $50,000 unsecured. Meanwhile, Sams received a summons to appear in court. Both men face charges of Retaliation for Past Official Action, Official Oppression, and Conspiracy. Additionally, Russo is charged with Conflict of Interest and Misapplication of Entrusted Property.
Attorney General Michelle Henry emphasized the importance of impartiality within the justice system: “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,” she stated.
The charges stem from disputes between Russo and other county officials. Allegedly motivated by political retaliation and reelection efforts, Russo's actions reportedly included failing to notify about a vacant Victim Witness Coordinator position in October 2021. In response to hiring a new coordinator reporting directly to commissioners rather than him, he allegedly warned local law enforcement not to cooperate with them.
In April 2022, it is alleged that Russo pressured for immediate charges against an attorney who opposed him in a previous election. After media reports emerged on this pressure tactic, he was asked by the Greene County Solicitor to recuse himself due to conflict of interest concerns.
Sams is accused of executing a search warrant on Greene County's 911 Center in October 2022 for emergency medical kits under claims they were misappropriated. The kits were seized but later returned following legal action by the county.
Efforts by Russo and Sams to form a SWAT team under direct DA control were reportedly met with opposition from county commissioners. Seizure actions concerning medical kits coincided with these efforts.
An audit report revealing irregularities within the DA’s forfeiture account led to another controversial investigation initiated by Sams upon orders from Russo after it was distributed beyond intended parties via a Right-To-Know request. However, judicial authorization for related search warrants was denied due to lack of underlying crime evidence.
Further complications arose during preparations for the 2023 Pennsylvania Primary Election when miscommunications led to conflicting ballot casting dates. Refusal by Russo during re-casting resulted in his name being placed last on ballots; subsequent investigations into these decisions also faced scrutiny over lack of legal basis.
Prosecution will be handled by Senior Deputy Attorney General Heather Serrano alongside Deputy Attorney General Aaron McKendry and Senior Deputy Attorney General James Price.