MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) — A Rutherford County sheriff's office administrator who faces federal charges has asked for a public defender to represent him, weeks after obtaining a permit to build a nearly $600,000 home.
Joe Russell, the chief deputy over administration, is charged with Sheriff Robert Arnold and Arnold's uncle, John Vanderveer, in a 14-count indictment pertaining to profiting from the sale of electronic cigarettes to inmates.
The Daily News Journal in Murfreesboro reports that county Building Codes records show Russell paid more than $1,800 on May 6 for a permit to build a 4,405-square-foot home with an unfinished 3,128-square-foot basement northeast of Murfreesboro.
The Tennessee Bar Association website says in order to qualify for a lawyer at no cost, a defendant must show lack of finances to pay for an attorney.