A repeat offender was arrested after he was caught driving on a suspended license on Sunday in Belleview.
While driving northbound in the 6500 block of 92nd Loop, Marion County sheriff’s deputies ran the license plate number of a green Chevy Blazer that was also traveling northbound, according to an incident report. Deputies were alerted that the vehicle’s registered owner had a suspended driver license.
After conducting a traffic stop, deputies made contact with 55-year-old Joseph Emile Russo Jr. of Belleview who advised he was unaware that his driver’s license was suspended. A computer check of the suspension revealed Russo’s license was suspended for failure to comply with a civil traffic infraction payment agreement in October of 2017. Russo told deputies he did miss the last payment and knew his license wold become suspended as a result.
Russo has had three prior convictions for driving while license suspended or revoked.
He was placed under arrest and transported to Marion County Jail. Bond was set at $2,000.