Pawn Stars cast member Austin Lee Russell, better known as "Chumlee", had several legal problems over the yearssome resulting in serious consequences. Throughout the show's 13-year run, Chumlee was a familiar face at the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a childhood friend of Corey "Big Hoss" Harrison, Austin worked at the store for a few years before the start of Pawn Stars. Later, the Nevada native's legal issues tarnished his reputation. Considering it's been almost eight years, it's time to look back at what was going on with Chumlee.
Pawn stars, which has been running since 2009, shows the ins and outs of a 24-hour pawn shop in Las Vegas. Being located in a city that never sleeps, store employees see some interesting items. Experts may be called in to evaluate collectibles and other interesting items. They often share information about the history of objects, from sports memorabilia to ancient swords and more – their insights can be fascinating. Although Chumlee starred Pawn Stars from the beginning, his legal problems only began in 2016.
Pawn Stars' Austin Lee 'Chumlee' Russell was arrested in 2016
He's a bad boy from the pawn stars
In March 2016, Chumlee was arrested after his apartment was searched in connection with a sexual assault investigation. Police found several drugs and weapons in his home. Chumlee was booked on drug and weapons charges, not any sex crime charges. This was because the sexual assault investigation was ongoing.
It's disheartening that Chumlee, who seems so jovial and fun in the series, has a dark side.
After posting bail, Chumlee appeared in court, opting for a plea deal. Regarding the gun charge and attempted misdemeanor drug possession charge, he admitted guilt on both counts. By pleading guilty, he could stay out of prison - however, instead of behind bars, he would need to participate in counseling. Chumlee would also have to remain on probation for three years.
The sexual assault charges were not pursued due to insufficient evidence. However, this does not mean he was innocent. Assault charges are notoriously difficult to prosecute. It's disheartening that Chumlee, who seems so jovial and fun in the series, has a dark side. It's true that people aren't always what they seem, including celebrities. Despite his legal troubles, Chumlee has had a chance to redeem himself and continues to appear on reality TV shows.
Continued Pawn Stars Austin Legal Issues
It was a long saga
Chumlee also had to turn over his weapons and drugs to authorities. According to Pop Culturewhen police seized his assets, they found registered and unregistered weapons. Chumlee was not allowed to possess some of these weapons. There were MP5 assault weapons and .223 caliber rifles in his collection.
Outside of the show, Chumlee is a popular figure who has amassed 819,000 followers on Instagram. He uses his platform to interact with fans and promote various ventures, including his candy store, Chumlee's Candy On The Blvd. He sells merchandise and makes personal appearances. Before his legal troubles brought him into the spotlight, he was known for his laid-back personality, sense of humor, and occasional antics on the show.
Chumlee changed his bad habits after his arrest
He's on the straight and narrow in 2024
In 2024, Chumlee is busy - he appeared in the spin-off, Pawn stars make America. The second season aired this year with the finale, "Minneapolis Moments," airing on April 24. Pawn Stars the crew travels across America, encountering interesting people and items. It's a slice of American culture that's hard to resist. Watch Chumlee and his group explore the US on History Channel Canada trailer shown above.
In addition to Pawn Stars and its offshoot, Chumlee is still the proud owner of his candy store. However, some commentators on TripAdvisor aren't exactly impressed with their store, which features a Chumlee standee next to its glass doors. The boutique sells a variety of branded treats. However, there wasn't enough to please a dissatisfied visitor. They sounded, saying:
Always so disappointing. A small store with a very limited selection and I expected much more. No way is it worth a special trip
The store has an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, according to TripAdvisor. Most people probably show up expecting to see Chumlee. However, he is not behind the counter every day. However, their store appears to still be open this year based on the above review published in February 2024.
Chumlee is dating Rick Harrison
They are friends
In addition to selling sweets and appearing in Pawn stars make AmericaChumlee is enjoying his friendship with Rick Harrison. Rick is an intelligent man who is also a villain. Therefore, it is not surprising that the two have a strong bond. The fact that his own mother took him to court, claiming he prevented her from receiving money that was rightfully hers, makes him look shady. The cunning pawnbroker shot the breeze with Chumlee in the clip above, and got pranked by his Pawn Stars partner. He offered him coffee loaded with sweet vanilla syrup - Rick didn't like the drink.
A video featuring Chumlee with Pokémon cards has just surfaced
Chumlee has a lot of cool hobbies
Chumleecollects on Instagram posted a fun clip of a very skinny Chumlee showing off some Japanese Pokémon cards. Many people love collecting them, including controversial boxer and YouTuber, Jake Paul, who appeared on a similar show, King of collectibles. Chumlee is thin because he had bariatric surgery.
Before undergoing this procedure, he had difficulty participating in some activities. His motivation for having weight loss surgery was to open up more possibilities in his life. The surgery was a gastric sleeve procedure. He had the operation in 2021 – afterwards, he lost 150 kilos. Based on his recent social media content, he is maintaining his weight loss results. Chumlee weighed 350 pounds.
According to PeopleChumlee said he has been trying to lose weight naturally for a long time. He yo-yo dieted - he gained a lot of weight, like 100 pounds, and then lost some. It was a difficult cycle. He described this as:
battle of years
Chumlee also went through turmoil with his partner Olivia Rademann. As of 2024, they do not appear to be together. Chumlee offered her a diamond ring in 2018, but they weren't destined to go far. She supported her man as he faced legal troubles, but they appeared to split in 2020. At the moment, Chumlee appears to be flying solo, but may be keeping his love life private.
Chumlee posted with a WWE legend in August 2024
Chumlee was holding a cute dog
Chumlee looks good in 2024 - he's still lean and seems quite content. In an Instagram post added in mid-August 2024, he posed with WWE icon Charles Wright (The Godfather). They smiled together as Chumlee promoted a Pawn Stars episode of the franchise featuring its wrestling idol. In the post, Chumlee hugged a cute puppy. After so many setbacks, including some problems he created for himself, Chumlee is coming out of his shell.
It's a true story of redemption. Instead of making headlines for his crimes, Chumlee is lighting up Instagram with his bright smile. He has a branch Instagram account, Chumlee Collects, which he uses more than his main account. However, the above post is from his official Chumlee Instagram. Both accounts are authentic - it's Chumlee posting about her life today in both virtual spaces, after a series of problems, from health issues related to being overweight to legal troubles and a failed romantic relationship.
Chumlee is very active in 2024, making a scene at events including the 2024 Comic-Con in San Diego. He also participated in the 2024 Pokémon World Championships in Honolulu, Hawaii. On his two Instagrams, he posts about lots of fun things, including card "tears," fun collectibles like toys, and his celebrity encounters. He seems to be quite sociable after getting into trouble with the law.
People can change and Chumlee's living proof. He is slim and fit, smiling and appears to lead a healthy lifestyle. He probably learned a lot from his mistakes. When it comes to Pawn Stars scandals, Rick gives Chumlee a run for his money. Rick has been involved in major scandals that have been shocking - he has received shade for views that are considered anti-trans. He's a Trumper and that doesn't sit well with everyone. However, unlike Chumlee, Rick was never arrested by the police.
Bad boys seem to like living on the edge, but they also have softer sides. Rick is dating a young nurse named Angie Poluskin, who specializes in injectables. Meanwhile, Chumlee keeps her love life private. The publicity he received when his previous relationship failed may make him reluctant to go public. So, Chumlee isn't going to Paris like Rick, who had dinner at an Eiffel Tower restaurant with Angie for her birthday. Hopefully he has a significant other if that's what he wants.
Pawn Stars made Rick and Chumlee household names. They seem to like the spotlight. However, Chumlee has definitely gone radio silent after his legal troubles caused so much confusion. He stopped posting on Instagram or added posts with melancholic vibes. Now, he's taking advantage, playing with toys online, asking fans for vintage recordings to buy, and showing off his outings and rare finds. He's no longer in the shadows, and why should he be? He paid the price for his crimes and now it's time to seize the moment. He appears to be doing just that.
Chumlee is on the straight and narrow at the end of 2024
He recently posted about working at another pawn shop
Chumlee He's had problems, but he doesn't live in the past, and as he makes more of an effort to share information about his off-screen life with fans, he becomes more and more endearing. The peculiar clown of Pawn Stars He had a bad boy phase, but now his interests seem remarkably healthy. In the Instagram post shown above, Chumlee is sitting at a table at another pawn shop. He is working there for just one day.
On the table are a series of Pokémon cards. Whether he's checking out designs for Pikachu, Charmander, or Snorlax, or any other creature from the phenomenally popular cartoon, he's truly in his element. While he may not “catch them all,” Chumlee has likely amassed an impressive collection of Pokémon cards. Your collection could be worth a lot of money.
On his other Instagram account, Chumleecollects, he recently held a Pokémon-themed giveaway and featured some fans who were all dressed up in Pikachu costumes. It's a joyous time for Chumlee, as he seeks to redeem himself in the court of public opinion. Chumlee is more complex than most fans would imagine, as his dark side (i.e. his criminal conduct, which is now in the past) was quite surprising. There are no indications that Chumlee is still on a bad path.
Chumlee has also been showing off his style. He's also dressed like Pokémon creatures and recently donned a "yin and yang" hoodie with a bold black and white graphic. He has a range of interests, from Pokémon to comic books, dogs to coffee and more. Lately, he's been wondering if Pokémon "prismatic evolution" collector card series "live up to the hype", according to a Chumleecollects Post on Instagram.
Pawn Stars is one of the highest-rated reality shows. However, cast members are often embroiled in controversy, including Chumlee and Rick Harrison, who was sued by his mother. Pawn Stars Season 23 is set to air at the end of July 2024, and Chumlee is in the mix.
Sources: Pop Culture, Chumleecollects/Instagram, TripAdvisor, Austin “Chumlee” Russell. People. History Channel Canada, Austin Lee "Chumlee Russell/Instagram, Chumlee Russell/Instagram, Chumleecollects/Instagram
Pawn Stars can be streamed on Discovery+.