October 27, 2022

FBI El Paso Announces the Federal Arrest of El Paso Man for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

EL PASO, TX—The FBI El Paso Field Office announces the arrest of a 30-year-old El Paso man, Russell Rice III, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On June 5, 2022, Rice was accused of firing a firearm in public during an altercation with another individual. On June 8, 2022, Rice was taken into custody by El Paso Police Department’s Gang Unit. Rice was arrested on a state warrant issued by the El Paso Police Department (EPPD) for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Rice was later released on bond.

On October 20, 2022, Rice was federally indicted with one count of 18 USC 922G – Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. On October 26, 2022, Rice was taken into custody by FBI El Paso’s Safe Street Violent Crime and Gangs Task Force and FBI El Paso SWAT.

Rice had his initial appearance in federal court today, October 27, 2022, with U.S. Magistrate Leon Schydlower.

A federal indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The FBI’s El Paso Safe Street Violent Crime and Gangs Task Force and the El Paso Police Department’s Gang Unit co-located at the West Texas Anti-Gang Center jointly investigated this case with assistance from the United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Texas. El Paso County Constable’s Office Precinct One assisted the FBI with the arrest.