Former Greene County DA accused of assaulting relative
An embattled former Greene County district attorney is facing additional criminal charges after an alleged domestic altercation with a family member in Waynesburg Saturday night.
David Russo, 48, of Holbrook, allegedly assaulted David Zwerver, a male relative who attempted to intervene in a dispute that began when Russo yelled and cursed at his 11-year-old son, according to court paperwork.
Donna Zwerver, Russo’s mother, told police she tried to calm her son down and admonished him for his language, starting an argument during which Russo walked upstairs and punched a hole in the wall at the house on Braden Street, according to the complaint.
When David Zwerver intervened, Russo began fighting with him, the complaint said. Waynesburg Patrolman Brandon Francis, who wrote the affidavit of probable cause, said he had seen abrasions on David Zwerver’s back, which the man attributed to Russo.
Russo’s preliminary arraignment was Sunday morning. He was initially lodged in the county jail on a $50,000 bond, which was posted later in the day.
Russo is charged with simple assault, a misdemeanor, and also received a summary charge of harassment.
Russo, who served as the county’s district attorney from 2019 to 2023, is still facing criminal charges for allegedly misusing his office to prosecute political rivals. In addition to a felony count of conflict of interest, he is charged with misdemeanors of retaliation for past official action, official oppression and misapplying institutional property. He also faces conspiracy oppression and retaliation charges.
Russo was formally arraigned on those charges Monday afternoon. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 5.
A message was left with Russo Monday seeking comment. Greene County District Attorney Brianna Vanata declined comment Monday on whether the assault case would also be referred to the state attorney general’s office, which is handling the charges related to Russo’s conduct in office.