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Home of Chumlee from ‘Pawn Stars’ searched; police find drugs, 12 guns

Posted at 11:29 AM, Mar 16, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-16 11:29:02-04

LAS VEGAS — When authorities searched reality star Austin Russell’s home last week after sexual assault allegations, they found 12 guns and assorted drugs, an arrest report shows.

Las Vegas police arrested Russell, who is known as “Chumlee” on History Channel series “Pawn Stars,” last week on weapon and drug charges.

Investigators initially went to his Las Vegas home to recover evidence after a woman alleged Russell had sexually assaulted her, according to the report.

They seized items such as bedding, clothes and home surveillance video.

“During the course of the search warrant service, several illegal items including methamphetamine, marijuana and firearms were located,” said Officer Larry Hadfield of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

He has not been charged with sexual assault, and the investigation is ongoing, Hadfield said.

Report: Guns and drugs

In an arrest report released Tuesday, investigators detailed what led to the narcotics and firearm charges.

During the home search, police found a floor vault that Russell did not want to open because it had “private things,” according to the report.

Authorities threatened to call a locksmith, forcing Russell to open it. In it, police found about 4 ounces of marijuana, 12 guns, methamphetamine and Xanax prescription pills, the report said.

Russell told investigators that he’s not a drug dealer, but he buys marijuana in bulk to avoid numerous small purchases, according to the report.

It added that he asked investigators for “leniency” because he cooperated in opening the vault.

Other searches

During a search of other rooms, police also found drugs-related paraphernalia, including plastic baggies and rolling paper, the report said.

Russell was arrested March 9 and charged with illegal possession of a firearm and numerous narcotics charges.

The firearm charge was because a person who unlawfully uses a controlled substance is banned from possessing firearms, the report said.

In a statement to CNN affiliate KSNV, the reality star’s attorney said his defense team will address the evidence in court.

“We will be analyzing what was allegedly found and whether the alleged seizure was lawful in a courtroom, not in the media,” David Chesnoof said.

His next court date is May 23.

Russell is a regular cast member on “Pawn Stars,” which features the employees of the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas.

CNN has reached out to his attorneys and the pawn shop for comment.