During the week of October 15, 2008, Russell tried an alien smuggling case in the United States District Court for the Southern District.  The Director of Federal Defenders, Ruben Kahn, represented the co-defendant.  ( 08 CR-2713.)  The jury "hung" or could not reach a decision on any of the six counts regarding Russell’s client.  His client remains free on bail.  It is unclear whether the government will re-try the case.