Airman sentenced for drugs Published Oct. 10, 2013 SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A student Airman from the 362nd Training Squadron was sentenced to eight months confinement, a bad conduct discharge and a forfeiture of $1,010 per month for eight months after pleading guilty Oct. 9 to several drug charges. Airman Basic Branson C. Russell entered his guilty plea before a military judge for wrongful use and distribution of cocaine, as well as wrongful use of marijuana and ecstasy. According to evidence presented at Russell's court-martial, he purchased cocaine while in Dallas over the July 4 weekend, and then used it at his hotel and later at a party, where he also distributed it to civilians present. The next night, he bought and used ecstasy. On the way home from Dallas, Russell bragged about his activity to another Airman, who reported it to his unit and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. When confronted, Russell confessed. Shortly after formal charges were preferred in August, Russell left the base without authorization and went to Houston, where he bought and used marijuana. Upon his return to base, he was stopped at the gate and marijuana residue was found in his car. A subsequent urinalysis revealed additional marijuana use. After sentencing, Russell was handcuffed and led away to begin his confinement at the Wichita County Jail.