Woman claims she was unaware of the crimes committed by her ex-boyfriend
A woman who is the ex-partner and still current housemate of the man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a Seattle woman, denies the charges against him. In a criminal complaint released Wednesday, the FBI alleges that James B. Russell, 31, abducted a woman from a Seattle parking lot on July 29, 2023, and held her captive in a cinderblock cell in his Klamath Falls home for three days. The complaint also states that Russell sexually assaulted the victim multiple times, threatened to kill her, and forced her to call her family and say she was fine.
The woman, who asked not to be identified, told KPTV that she was unaware of Russell’s actions and that he had lied to her about his whereabouts. She said that Russell told her he was going to Portland for a job interview, but instead drove to Seattle and kidnapped the victim. She also said that she never saw or heard the victim in their home, and that Russell had locked the basement door and told her not to go there.
The woman said that she met Russell online about a year ago, and that they dated for a few months before breaking up. She said that they remained friends and housemates, and that she had no reason to suspect him of any wrongdoing. She described him as a “nice guy” who was “funny” and “smart”. She said that she was shocked and devastated when the FBI raided their home on August 1, 2023, and arrested Russell.
FBI tracked down Russell using cell phone data and surveillance footage
According to the criminal complaint, the FBI was able to track down Russell using cell phone data and surveillance footage from various locations. The complaint states that Russell used his own phone to contact the victim’s family, and that he also used the victim’s phone to access her bank account and transfer money to himself. The FBI also obtained video evidence of Russell driving the victim’s car in Seattle, Portland, and Klamath Falls.
The complaint further states that the FBI interviewed several witnesses who saw Russell with the victim or her car. One witness said that he saw Russell force the victim into her car at gunpoint in a Seattle parking lot. Another witness said that he saw Russell and the victim at a gas station in Portland, where Russell appeared to be controlling the victim’s movements. A third witness said that he saw Russell park the victim’s car at a motel in Klamath Falls, where he rented a room under a false name.
The FBI also searched Russell’s home and found evidence of his crimes, including the cinderblock cell where he held the victim, a handgun, ammunition, duct tape, zip ties, handcuffs, a stun gun, a knife, a laptop, cell phones, and clothing belonging to the victim.
Russell faces multiple federal charges and possible life sentence
Russell is currently being held at the Multnomah County Detention Center in Portland. He faces multiple federal charges, including kidnapping, interstate transportation for sexual activity, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and access device fraud. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison.
The victim, whose name has not been released, was rescued by the FBI on August 1, 2023. She was taken to a hospital for treatment and evaluation. The FBI said that she is recovering from her ordeal and is receiving support from her family and friends.
The FBI also said that they are investigating whether Russell is involved in any other similar crimes or has any other victims. They urged anyone with information about Russell or his activities to contact them at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
