OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. — A retired captain of the South Bend, Indiana Fire Department is being held in the Oakland County Jail after being charged in two separate felony Criminal Sexual Conduct cases originating from two different jurisdictions within Oakland County.
Stewart Russell, 67, was booked into the Oakland County Jail on Dec. 12, 2025, according to jail and court records. He is currently facing multiple CSC felony charges, including allegations involving a child under the age of 13, stemming from separate alleged incidents in Novi and Clarkston.
The charges filed against Russell include:
- Criminal Sexual Conduct, 1st Degree (Relationship)
- Criminal Sexual Conduct, 2nd Degree (Person Under 13)
- Criminal Sexual Conduct, 2nd Degree (Relationship)
Two Independent Criminal Cases
Court records show Russell is not facing a single consolidated prosecution, but two distinct criminal cases, each with its own charges, alleged offense dates, courts, and bond requirements.
Clarkston Case – Bound Over to Circuit Court
One case originated in 52-2 District Court, involving allegations tied to Clarkston. That case was bound over and formally entered into Oakland County Circuit Court on Dec. 19, 2025.
Circuit court records list an alleged offense date of Aug. 1, 2025, and include felony Criminal Sexual Conduct charges involving a person under the age of 13. Russell is being held on a $250,000 cash or surety bond in connection with this case.
Novi Case – 52-1 District Court
A second, separate case remains tied to 52-1 District Court in Novi. That case lists an alleged offense date of November 28, 2025 and includes additional felony Criminal Sexual Conduct charges involving a relationship.
Russell is also being held on a separate $250,000 cash or surety bond in the Novi case.
Combined Bond Amount
Because the cases stem from different jurisdictions and separate alleged incidents, bond was set individually for each case, placing Russell under a combined bond amount of $500,000.
Former Fire Department Leadership Role
The South Bend Fire Department confirmed to WNDU that Russell previously served as a captain with the department prior to his retirement, a senior leadership position carrying significant public trust.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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