Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Diamond School Board member charged with statutory rape

Diamond R-4 Board of Education member Johnny Russow, 44, has been charged with two felony counts of second degree statutory rape, according to online Newton County Circuit Court records.

One incident allegedly occurred January 1, 2016, with the other incident taking place on February 1, 2016.

Bond has been set at $6,000.

The case is being investigated by the Newton County Sheriff's Office.




46 comments:

Anonymous said...

No surprise here from anyone who knows him. This embarassment of a school board has completely decimated the district over the last three years. With Russow, Macy, Basket and Renfro at the forefront of this incompetent group. I guarantee you the percentage of turnover in Diamond since these goons took over rivals Joplin's!

Anonymous said...

Joplin just sweeps it under the rug. Tired of pedifiles!

Anonymous said...

This is sad. I still don't belive it. Johnny is wild but a good man. He knows his limits. I don't belive this has taken place. Maybe joking or something but I feel as if someone is used with him and getting back..

Anonymous said...

Hey! You guys don't even know if Johnny did anything. People are so stupid. Why does the accusor always get the benefit of the doubt? You already act like he is guilty when you don't even know if anything really happened. And by the way if you've ever met him he is a good person and very nice. I'm not saying it's not possible that Johnny did something, but I'm just saying don't jump to conclusions. Put yourself in these situations. How would you like to be accused of raping someone you never laid a finger on but everyone assumes you did so your whole family gets taken from you, and you lose your job and most future job opportunities. This is people's lives were talking about not just weekly drama so please don't take this so lightly. Think a little bit before you make a conclusion, put yourself in situations, do not be biased.

Anonymous said...

Johnny is a good guy. I don't belive this one bit. Ya bad things happen to good people but I don't belive this at all. You guys need to stop jumping to conclusions. Johnny is one heck of a guy. I'll be backing him all the way! Sounds like he made someone mad and they are trying to cut him down over it now.

Anonymous said...

So sad! Obviously, there will be more facts coming out. I would think this would be a great time for Russow to resign from the school board. Hopefully this doesn't get swept under the rug!

Anonymous said...

Deserves everything he gets. Support HIM? Really????? Says a lot about you. Good luck in prison Russow. Inmates love guys like you.

Anonymous said...

Allegations are just that, allegations, sad part is that most people believe person is guilty before knowing all the facts. All it takes is a pissed off teenager trying to save her own ass to say something and it ruins the life of the accused whether they are guilty or not. The court system is a joke, they don't investigate thoroughly and just take the accusers account as fact. Anyone thinks this can't happen to you is sadly mistaken, because all it takes is an allegation and you are presumed guilty until can prove your innocent.

Rose said...

Just because of the actions of one individual doesn't condemned those of the rest of his peers. They have gotten rid of a corrupt elementary principal who made the children of parents I know cry a fear coming to school. And a superintendent who only wanted her money and didn't care about the well being of its students or staff. You obviously don't care about them ether since you would rather have kept those people in charge of out system.

Anonymous said...

Too funny! Test scores tanked and over 75% of the elementary staff left. Diamond will never understand what quality education looks like. Below average is apparently good for the school and by some of the comments defending the village idiot and his side kicks it sounds like below average is the standard to be a board member too! Remember, the law doesn't just arrest someone because they are idiots - there usually has to be some cause there!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, that's it...blame the victim!!?? Feel sorry for the girl and her family that has to endure the public humiliation of having her name tied to russow's. After all the negative media he has brought to the district he deserves every bit and more!

Anonymous said...

He has resigned by the way....only smart thing the guy has ever done. Thank God. Now we need about 5 more resignations. As teachers we can only take so many mind numbing colossal screw ups by our board making us look bad. Back to being embarrassed to tell people where we work again.

Anonymous said...

Oh maybe another family member from Queen Badley's family can be appointed and then she can feel even more empowered to run the kingdom!

Anonymous said...

No one blaming the victim, if she is truly a victim. My point is that people always assume the accused is guilty and I can bet there are a lot of innocent people accused and convicted daily who did nothing wrong. Wait till the facts are presented and trial held before convicting someone. Some people are too ignorant to find out facts about the girl and all the stuff she has done prior to this,and instead believe what you read online or someone tells you. The whole story and the way it all went down proves she is being vindictive. As for the school board, this is one of the best groups in a long time as far as getting things done and not letting one lesbian Superintendent and her cronies run the school. Getting this bunch on the board and getting rid of the cancer caused by Superintendent and other administrators was a good thing. If you are a teacher and disagree then you must be one of her leftover cronies and need to take a hike too.

Anonymous said...

for people to start jumping to conclusion is wrong in every since we're any of you their personally to know anything about the whole situation. I happen to know them also he is a jokester but has a very amazing wife and children and I wasn't there so I don't know if it did or don't happen only God knows and the victim and the accused but I can tell you this all you bashing the school board is usally the ones when their if stuff that needs to be done they are no where around but they are quick to be running their mouth when something doesn't go they want

Christie Dawson said...

I think every person that is assuming Johnny is guilty should stop and think, what if this was your husband, son, father, brother, or friend being accused. Would you be so quick to judge and throw absurd comments out for the public eye? Give this man and his family some respect to show the other side of the story and the law time to show the facts. Johnny is not perfect nor am I, are you? My prayers and thoughts for this wonderful family

Anonymous said...

If you don't like the way the school board is being ran do something about it. Be the change, not part of the problem. Seems to me that there is now an opening that needs filled!
Also, as all of you run your mouth, remember children are involved and they hear things! Keep them in mind, none of this is their fault DON'T make them feel your scorn and discontent and I'm not just talking about his children or the victim. There is a whole school of children OUR children that will hear things and have to deal with it, keep them in mind as you run your mouths!

Anonymous said...

Ummm...what???!!! What a mountain of jibberish!

Unknown said...

Thank you! This is all a bag of LIES!

Unknown said...

I love how brave you are 'anonymous'! Pathetic.

Anonymous said...

aaannnndddd....it hits the globe now. Good luck to his cronies defending him!

r bray said...

Why doesn't anyone put a name on their comments? Easy to make comments as "anonymous#

Anonymous said...

Well if she is pregnant it wouldn't be Johnnys

Anonymous said...

If you don't like working there then quit

Anonymous said...

And we thought Joplin has problems??????? I would even take Joplin's old board over Diamond's!

Unknown said...

Thank you, Christie. It is all lies and the truth will come out.

Unknown said...

Oh no! Its in the globe! Is that anything like being true cuz it's on the internet?!?

Robert Gilbert said...

I attended Diamond for for 8 years. From fourth grade till graduation in 1988. In that span of time i experienced a lot and also learned a lot from some very exceptional teachers. Mr. Robertson, Mr. and Mrs. Greer, Mr.Dieckhoff, Just to name a few. i also met and formed friendships from some exceptional classmates from all graduating years. Of all the teachers and many frienships i have encountered, not one person i mentioned of a lot of things but not thisr didn't mention is free from sin or making mistakes. Some make fewer or less noticeable mistakes, some make more and transparent mistakess or sins. I know much has happened in Diamond since I left. In my opinion it has not been the same since the departure of Mr. Pinnell and Mr. Rupp and many class act teachers. I have known Johnny for many years and he knows me. I respect him. I personally dont believe he is guilty as i am informed about most of the facts.

Robert Gilbert said...

If everyone on here wants to attack him, why? If you don't like the Diamond school district, move. I did. Johnny is not to blame for the problems in Diamond as it has been in a state of decline for quite sometime. There is plenty of shared fault to go around. No one man or a school board can be blamed for all of the problems going on at Diamond. We can't change others we can only be responsible for ourselves and our own children. I pray for Johnny..not because i think he is innocent,not because i don't think he did it. I do it because it is THE RIGHT THING to do. Something that i believe that has been on the decline for a very long time in Diamond.

Anonymous said...

Doubt that was his wife defending him. Fourstates homepage says he was having an affair with the girls mom???!!!....disgusting!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Several problems with that narrow minded thinking. The first being that people SHOULD NOT HAVE TO MOVE over the incompetence and spite of others. Secondly to another poster, as teachers we should not have to quit and work somewhere else. Everybody nearly has? Are you stupid? What should happen is that you stay and fight to make things better! No one said Russow was single handedly the blame for the district demise....there are many other board members and a few in the community that had a hand in it was he was a HUGE part of the implosion that decimated education in a while once proud district.

Anonymous said...

Interesting.....the plot thickens!!! All those supporting Johnny better wait for the facts to come out! Unless this super hero will not be tarnished by an affair either! Wake up people!!

Robert Gilbert said...

Who are you Anonymous? In the Constitution clearly states you have a right to face your accusers. No i am not stupid. Just because i disagree with your position does not make me stupid. I have one thing you don't have...integrity...i openly posted my name and defend my position. You are a coward hiding by your anonymous identity. No matter what you say at least i don't hide behind the shadows . No matter what school district you move to it will have problems because we are imperfect people. You don't have to move. Just stay there and remain unknown and kick and stomp your feet. That is your choice. Good luck with that.

Anonymous said...

Kind of a coincidence that he has an affair with the mom and now the dad takes the daughter down to make these accusations. Especially when he tells people he is going to ruin Johnny for cheating with his wife. That's pathetic.....

Anonymous said...

Diamond is a cesspool! No real leaders! This is just another red flag.
All of the really great teachers have left! Inconsistency and lower pay than the surrounding communities will never bring in quality educators! I genuinely feel sorry for the children in this town, they deserve better.

Anonymous said...

No "Robert Gilbert", you throwing a name on your post means nothing to me. You don't have to contend with this band of idiots coming after you for your job for speaking your mind. What makes you stupid is your initial position. You actually took the position and I disagree with your position so you want to call names and question my integrity. Let me tell you something, you have no idea what Integrity really is. You need to go look up the definition in the dictionary because the things that you say in your post and the criticism that you level shows a complete lack of character and integrity. You do not know what many of us have had to deal with with these band of idiots trying to run the school over the last several years.

Unknown said...

First of all THANK YOU Robert Gilbert. You speak the truth. Second of all, guess what? His wife, his kids and his entire family is standing by him. I don't care what that tells you, but it tells me, he is innocent and he is a darn good man! Say what you want, better yet, get a job so you have less time to spew 'Anonymous' garbage about innocent people. God knows the truth and will set John free! I would love to dance on all your negative 'Anonymous' faces when he does!

M Shallenburger said...

I love how all of you can hide behind ANONYMOUS! Seems like a bunch of spineless cowards who like to set in the back and complain instead of being on the front line trying to make changes! Say what you want, but if you can't step up and be part of the solution then quit being a cry baby over the board! As far as Johnny, the allegations against him have nothing to do with the board members. I think they have done a great job and still need to make more cuts! Diamond needs to get rid of the corrupted teachers that don't make a difference and are failing our kids! They need to hold themselves accountable for the same things our kids are! I keep asking myself, if I was in that type of situation and it indeed was rape then why would I continue to go around that person and allow it to happen again and again? How could I face him over and over again? How could I smile, laugh and stand next to him at school functions? But, then again how could any wife break up her own home and destroy her best friends? I hope the detectives provide a thorough investigation. It would be a shame to convict an innocent man.

Can't wait to see all you complainers on the ballot next time school board elections come up! Will you run as ANONYMOUS OR DO I JUST NEED TO WRITE YOU IN? HAHAHA!!!!

Anonymous said...

As someone who is all too familiar with that whole family and their corrupt and fake biblical ways I can say I am not surprised. He is not the first one in that family that has had a problem keeping it in their pants whether its with another consenting adult or an innocent child. They all seem to get away with things they shouldn't ever have gotten out of and its time justice is really served. I hope they finally take that whole family down and they get what they deserve after everything they have done and gotten away with over the years. It is time for their horrible actions to have some consequences or they will just continue doing it and that's not fair to the people who have been victim to them.

Anonymous said...

Whoever you are, and I could care less, what an idiotic statement to worry about who's posting as Anonymous and trying to blast anyone that is. What are you going to do if people start posting their names? Bully them? Harass them? What does it really matter? Everyone in this nation has a right to voice their opinions on a subject and have anonymity. Deal with it is the way it always has been and the way it always will be. Now when that crosses over to libel or slander that's a different story but since this information is already out there anyone who absolutely feels like they have an opinion one way or another on this idiots and guilt based on his past, his lack of character, and lack of Integrity has the right to give their opinion. Oh and by the way, that's it start blaming the teachers for this mess. Real intelligent on your part, you're such a moron.

Anonymous said...

Or you one hell of a lot of crow when he does not. That's it, go down with the ship you fool. Probably will get a slap on the wrist though. Seems like the judicial system let's these idiots go with a slap on the wrist all of the time and they never pay giving the illusion of Innocence when the family of the Accuser gets bashed so much that they just wanted dropped.

Anonymous said...

●THIS COMES AS NO SURPRISE TO THOSE THAT KNOW HIM. I SUPPOSE YOUR GOING TO SAY YOUR JUST AS SURPRISED TO LEARN HE'D BEEN HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH THE GIRLS MOTHER FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS TOO ●

Anonymous said...

Oh great comment! They are the biggest bullies .... Bully Barb leading the pack with Judgmental Jill, Moron Macy and JAIL BAIT Johnny! I would not want to be associated with them because they would turn on you if it benefited them in a heart beat! Wake up --- and take a look in the mirror!!!!

Anonymous said...

It is sad that people lump everyone from Diamond into their rude comments. The school leadership we have had from Mr. Mabe, Mr. Eps, Mr. Gold, and Mr. Duffle has been excellent. Mr. Mabe has been the best thing to happen for our school district since Mr. Pinnell was the superintendent forever. He has guided the district in raising test scores and been a great communicator with the staff. What has happened should, in no way, be linked with the students, faculty and administration of the school. It has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with them. It is a shame that the actions of one person could cause so much turmoil for the school when the people who are at the school everyday teaching and learning had no part in it. But that is what the media looks for -sensationalism- something to blow up so they can sell papers or get viewers or start a big bowl of crap on the Internet. This incident does not define our school. It should not be touted as such. There are excellent educators and administrators at the school who are giving 100% to the students and who care about the success of the school and the students so get off their backs about this person's private problem.

Unknown said...

Any updates?

Anonymous said...

This went for trial yesterday, 6/27/19. There were reasons I could not be a fair juror so I was excused, but would like to know out come.
After watching the four part series on HLN about Laurie and Ashley, Welch, OK, I find the news media in the area lacks interest in reporting all findings and details.