Pawn Stars: Austin Lee 'Chumlee' Russell's Legal Issues Explained

Summary Chumlee faced legal issues in 2016 after drugs and a gun were found in his home during a search related to a sexual assault investigation.

Chumlee took a plea bargain, pleading guilty to a felony weapon charge and an attempted drug possession misdemeanor, avoiding jail time.

Despite his legal troubles, Chumlee continues to be a popular figure on the show, using his platform for various ventures and engaging with fans.

Pawn Stars cast member Austin Lee Russell, typically known as "Chumlee" on the series, has had various legal issues over the years, some resulting in severe consequences. Over the show's 13-year run, Austin was a familiar face as he ran the daily operations of the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a childhood friend of Corey "Big Hoss" Harrison, Austin had worked at the shop for a few years before the beginning of Pawn Stars, but the Nevada native's legal issues took over his reputation. Given it's been almost eight years, it's time to look back at what was going on with Chumlee.

Pawn Stars, which has been on the air since 2009, shows the ins and outs of a 24-hour pawn shop in Las Vegas. Being located in a city that never sleeps, the store sees some exciting items come through, as well as some intriguing situations. Though Chumlee starred in Pawn Stars from the beginning, his legal issues didn't come to the forefront until 2016, when they started overtaking his life. As a cast member of one of the best reality TV shows at the time, the interest in what he was being indicted for was high, and a look back at his legal issues may be helpful. While they have passed, they're an important part of his past.

Related: Pawn Stars: How Much Rick Paid For The Declaration Of Independence Copy

Pawn Stars' Austin Lee 'Chumlee' Russell Was Arrested In 2016

In March 2016, Chumlee was arrested after his apartment was searched in a sexual assault investigation, and the cops found various drugs and a gun in his home. Austin was booked for the drugs and the gun rather than on any sex crime charges because, at the time, the sexual assault investigation was ongoing. After making bail, Chumlee appeared in court and took a plea bargain that had him plead guilty to a felony weapon charge and an attempted drug possession misdemeanor. By pleading guilty, he could stay out of jail, instead being sentenced to counseling and three years of probation.

The sexual assault charges were not pursued due to insufficient evidence. However, this doesn't mean they didn't happen. Assault charges are notoriously difficult to prosecute. It's disheartening that Chumlee, who appears so jovial and fun on the show. Granted, people are not always what they seem, and that includes reality TV shows. Despite his legal issues, Chumlee has been given a chance to redeem himself, continuing to appear on reality TV shows.

Pawn Stars' Austin's Legal Issues Continued

Close

Chumlee's plea bargain not only called for him to plead guilty, complete counseling, and stay on probation for three years but also to surrender his weapons and drugs to law enforcement. According to PopCulture, when the cops seized his assets, they found both registered and unregistered weapons, some that Austin should not have personally owned. With assault-style MP5 weapons and .223-caliber rifles in his collection, Chumlee surrendered his guns and was told to stay out of trouble until 2019. After years of keeping himself clean, Austin was left with only a misdemeanor on his record after the incident.

Outside the show, Chumlee has become a popular figure, amassing a significant following on social media. He has used his platform to engage with fans and promote various ventures, including merchandise and personal appearances. Before his legal issues brought him into the spotlight, Chumlee was known for his easy-going personality, sense of humor, and occasional antics on the show. Often providing comic relief with his quirky behavior and interactions with customers and coworkers, Chumlee is sure to shake off the legal issues and continue to entertain fans for years to come.

Pawn Stars may be one of the most highly-rated reality TV shows, but it did not come without its drama. Austin "Chumlee" Russell is still a figure on the show, along with Corey "Big Hoss" Harrison, whose grandfather and co-owner of the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop passed away in 2018. With Pawn Stars continuing its newest iteration, Austin will appear on the show more often for years.

Pawn Stars is available to stream on Discovery+.

More: 10 Of The Fakest Reality TV Shows, According To Reddit

Source: PopCulture