Dermatologist goes back to jail

By JESSIE STENSLAND
Whidbey News Times Assistant editor
January 6, 2012 · Updated 3:51 PM 

A former Coupeville dermatologist is back in prison after a bail bond company revoked part of his bail.

Donald “Russell” Johnson has pleaded not guilty in Island County Superior Court to two counts of assault in the second degree and a single count of “harassment / threats to kill.” Both were charged as domestic-violence-related crimes.

Johnson was briefly released from jail in December after spending about two months behind bars. His bail was set at $100,000, including $75,000 he previously posted. Johnson posted the remaining $25,000 on Dec. 12 and was freed.

But then the bail bond company, Barry’s A-Ace Bail Bonds of Bellingham, filed an affidavit of surrender on Dec. 19. The reason cited was that Johnson was “in violation of bail restrictions / flight risk.”

As a result, Johnson had to return to the county jail.

Johnson is accused of choking his girlfriend and threatening to kill her at their Cornet Bay home Sept. 6.

This summer Johnson abruptly closed his popular dermatology clinics and skin-care spas in both Coupeville and Anacortes. His medical license was suspended by the state after he was charged.

 

Contact Whidbey News Times Assistant editor Jessie Stensland at jstensland@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360.675.6611 ext. 5056.

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