Ex-RivCo Deputy Dies By Suicide Following Sting, Arrest

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — A Riverside County sheriff's deputy who resigned earlier this month after being arrested on suspicion of attempting to meet a minor for sexual acts, has killed himself, according to multiple media outlets.

Anthony Michael Russo, 52, died by suicide on Dec. 20 at his home in the San Bernardino County mountain community of Arrowbear.

According to a Dec. 11 news release from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Russo was snared during a sting in which a Riverside County investigator posed as a 15-year-old minor and struck up an online conversation with the lawman.

"During these conversations, Russo shared explicit material and communicated his intent to meet with the supposed minor to engage in sexual acts," the sheriff's department reported.

On Dec. 11, Russo was arrested and booked into Riverside County jail on suspicion of sending harmful material to a minor, attempting to meet a minor for sexual acts, and annoying/molesting a victim under 18.

Jail records show that Russo was released on $50,000 bail the same day.

According to court records, formal charges against Russo had not been filed.

Russo was assigned to the sheriff's department's coordinated custody management unit within the county's corrections division.

In a statement released to the media by the sheriff's department, the agency said, "We extend our condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragic loss."

If you are struggling or know someone who is, contact the National Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. The hotline provides confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States.