‘Pawn Stars’ host Chumlee arrested; faces serious charges

Austin Russell aka Chumlee (Photo Credit: Las Vega s Metro Police)
Austin Russell, aka Chumlee (Photo credit: Las Vegas Metro Police)

Fans of the hit show “Pawn Stars” on the History Channel recognize the name Chumlee, whose real name Austin Russell. His antics and good humor have led to moments of hilarity on the show. But now Chumlee is facing some serious charges that include investigation of an alleged sexual assault. Las Vegas Metro Police served a search warrant on his home in connection with an alleged sexual assault. Upon searching his home, police found marijuana, methamphetamines and a gun. He was arrested and taken into custody on drug and weapon charges.

The TV star was well known for his dramatic weight loss due to lap band surgery and his change in diet. Throughout the early episodes of the program, he is seen regularly eating chicken wings, subs, pizza and other junk food. Before his dramatic weight loss, Chumlee could not even do 10 push-ups in a challenge issued by fellow star Rick Harrison Sr., a 75 year-old retired Navy vet.


Chumlee is not the first member of the show to encounter legal problems. In 2011, Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison was arrested on assault charges after a drunken brawl; he was released a few hours later. Then in 2014, Harrison came into a bar drunk with biker friends, dropped his pants and urinated all over the bar. Big Hoss and Chumlee have been friends since high school.

“Pawn Stars” debuted in 2009 and has millions of viewers who enjoy the unique items brought into the family owned World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas. The show also features store owner Rick Harrison Sr., who is considered the most stable and serious member of the program. Many celebrities have come into the pawn shop to buy and sell rare items, including Katie Couric, Steve Carrel and many others.


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