Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
During the felony court proceedings on Monday, June 5, Lacey Rusinko, 32, of Greenville, appeared before the Honorable Judge Melissa Olin. Rusinko soon learned that when one attempts to run from the law, the law eventually catches up. Rusinko had been arrested and charged with fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer in October of 2022.
According to a report filed by Madison County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) Deputy B. Bish, on Oct. 11, 2022, at approximately 1:15 p.m., Dep. Bish observed Rusinko's vehicle traveling east on SE Farm Road. When the vehicle passed, Dep. Bish noticed the tag on the vehicle was not the tag assigned to that vehicle. Upon investigation, it was discovered the tag on the vehicle had been turned in to the Polk County, Fla. Tax Collector's office. Upon discovering this information, MCSO Capt. Whitfield, who was behind the vehicle, activated his emergency lights in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle began to flee. Capt. Whitfield pursued the vehicle, which had headed back to the east on SE Old County Camp Road. Capt. Whitfield advised Dep. Bish that when the vehicle finally stopped, Rusinko was the one driving.
Upon appearing in court, Rusinko pled guilty to the charge and admitted her guilt. She also admitted to her violation of probation. She was sentenced to 270 days in jail and given 142 days of credit for time served. She was also ordered to pay court-related costs of $250.