Kourtnee Russo (22 years) was arrested for “harassment of a public servant in Brazoria County, Texas, while having a psychotic episode. The police officer did not de-escalate the situation, and Kourtnee was arrested for spitting on a police officer.  She was placed on three 3-months probation, but was not given mental health support.  She then attempted suicide, and was arrested for the suicide attempt because she tested positive for the drugs she attempted to harm herself with.  She was then sentenced to 7 months back in jail and then an additional nine months in a Substance Abuse Felony Punishment (SAFP.)   However, Kortnee does not engage in substance abuse or have addiction issues.  Meanwhile, the program does not offer any mental health support for the issues she does have.

Kourtnee’s mother, April Russo, is organizing a gofundme to support more adequate legal representation for her daughter here.