ST. GEORGE, UT – Susan Russell, a businesswoman in St. George, UT who stands accused of illegally distributing pornographic films from her jewelry store, Earrings and More, got her first day in court Monday, appearing before Judge James L. Shumate for a preliminary hearing on the charges.Russell was arrested following the execution of two separate search warrants last week, during which police allegedly found a “secret room” within Earrings and More, filled with sex toys and “thousands of items of hardcore pornography,” according to St. George Police Sergeant Craig Harding.
Harding said the items being sold out of “back office” of the business included books, magazines, DVDs and VHS tapes.
St. George officials say the investigation resulted from tips submitted by members of the public and was pursued because Russell’s store is near a public park and does not have the permits required of stores to sell sexually-oriented material legally. The sale of sex toys is also illegal under the city code of St. George.
Clifford Whitaker, also of St. George, was arrested as a result of last week’s raid as well, and also appeared before Judge Shumate Monday.
According to the St. George Daily Spectrum, Russell was charged with 15 counts of “dealing pornographic material,” a third-degree felony. Whitaker faces two counts of the same charge.
Russell, represented by attorney Ken Combs, listened on Monday as the charges against her were read and her arraignment hearing was scheduled. Combs requested the return of a computer that was seized during the search last week, saying that it was necessary for Russell to run her business, a request granted by the Court.
Judge Shumate told Russell she could face up to 450 days in jail if she is found guilty, but reiterated that she is presumed innocent until her guilt or innocence is adjudicated at trial.
According to the Daily Spectrum, the St. George City Attorney’s office will handle the zoning issues, and the Washington County Attorney’s office will prosecute the “general pornographic charges.”
Whittaker and Russell are both scheduled for arraignment on December 8th.
