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Police Hero Resigns Following Plea Deal

Medina, NY – Medina Police Lieutenant Michael Russell pleaded guilty Tuesday to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct for allegedly possessing cocaine.

Russell was charged in June, along with former Holley Police Chief Michael Grattan and Orleans County Jail deputy Donald Stilwell Jr., for allegedly using cocaine during off-duty hours.

Under the plea agreement reached with Orleans County prosecutors, Russell, 31, must resign from the force, pay a $250 fine and surrender his pistol permit.

A year ago, Russell was hailed as a hero after he was severely wounded in a gun fight with a suspect. He shot and killed an armed man inside a Medina pharmacy but was shot four times himself.

Russell is still recovering from the wounds he suffered.