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Mongoose Breaks Silence After Prison Release, Thanks Supporters and Warns Youths to Avoid Crime

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Ozsie Kelvin ‘Mongoose’ Russell received a reduced sentence from appeal after firearm conviction (photo by Facebook)

Popular tattoo artist and social media personality Oszie Kelvin Russell, better known as “Mongoose,” has broken his silence following his release from prison, describing his incarceration as one of the toughest periods of his life while expressing gratitude to the many people who supported him throughout his sentence.

In a heartfelt social media post shared shortly after regaining his freedom, Russell reflected on the consequences of his actions, opening with the blunt admission: “I f**ked around and found out.”

Russell said he was arrested at 6:22 a.m. on April 22, 2025, and was initially sentenced to three years and six months in prison. However, after successfully appealing his sentence on March 23, 2026, the Court of Appeal reduced his prison term by nearly half.

He revealed that he ultimately spent 15 months, four days, 12 hours and 10 minutes at His Majesty’s Prison before being released.

Describing the experience as “one of the longest, most grueling, and most difficult phases” of his life, Russell said the time behind bars allowed him to reflect, reassess his priorities and focus on becoming a better person.

“Today, I am simply grateful to be out and a free man once again,” he wrote.

Russell said he intends to spend his first days of freedom with his family and loved ones before returning to work. He also noted that his “Whatsappskinout” service will resume on the same 268-788-6970 number once he has settled back into everyday life. 

He used the opportunity to send a message to young people, urging them to avoid making the same mistakes that led to his imprisonment.

“Youths keep out of trouble,” he wrote.

A significant portion of Russell’s message was devoted to thanking the dozens of family members, friends, businesses and supporters who visited him, prayed for him, sent messages of encouragement or provided financial assistance during his incarceration.

He said while many people believe strength comes solely from within, his resilience was also built through the unwavering support of those who refused to abandon him.

“I truly couldn’t have made it this far without my support system,” he wrote, adding that their love carried him through “the darkest chapter” of his life.

Russell concluded his message by expressing heartfelt appreciation to everyone who stood by him throughout his imprisonment, saying he would never forget the kindness shown to him.

His release follows a successful appeal that reduced the sentence imposed after he pleaded guilty to possessing an unlicensed firearm, ammunition and a suppressor. He walked free on Monday after completing his revised sentence.

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Comments (12)

  • Orie July 28, 2026, 11:14 AM

    That’s… interesting.. thought he’d be in there far longer, some people been in there longer for less no?.. interesting

  • Donna July 28, 2026, 10:46 AM

    The police need better training when it comes to investigating crimes. Too many people are breaking gun laws and getting a slap on the wrist simply because the police investigations and reports are poorly done. This gives prosecutors a weak argument and poor presentation of the evidence collected during the initial investigation.As

  • Anonymous July 28, 2026, 10:44 AM

    The police need better training when it comes to investigating crimes. Too many people are breaking gun laws and getting a slap on the wrist simply because the police investigations and reports are poorly done. This gives prosecutors a weak argument and poor presentation of the evidence collected during the initial investigation.

  • Hallelujah Amen July 28, 2026, 7:57 AM

    And that based on the fact he didn’t waste the court time and entitled to a specific discount in time sentence for the convicted crime

  • Knowledge is free July 28, 2026, 7:42 AM

    The People Need to Know, he didn’t appeal the verdict, he appealed the sentencing, the calculation was wrong, he got too many years for the crime.

  • Food4thought July 28, 2026, 7:40 AM

    This is an outrage! This scumbag should still be in jail. Crime is rampant, but when we finally catch the gunman dem, the judges let them out.

  • Anonymous July 28, 2026, 7:29 AM

    Goat lucy goat lucy if you know you kno

  • Antigua Surf July 28, 2026, 7:07 AM

    This is exactly why so many people are losing confidence in the justice system. If someone is caught with an illegal firearm, ammunition and a suppressor, what message does it send when the sentence is cut so drastically? Every day we hear leaders talking about cracking down on gun crime, yet cases like this leave ordinary citizens wondering whether justice is truly being served. My concern isn’t about one individual, it’s about the precedent this sets and the safety of the wider community.

  • Danang July 28, 2026, 7:04 AM

    Do you like RAW OR WITH THE KIDS FAMOUS OIL?

  • Jayden July 28, 2026, 7:03 AM

    Skinout Gawd outside👌🏾 differently one tattoo needed

  • Devorne Carter July 28, 2026, 7:01 AM

    If he was convicted after pleading guilty to the charges. How was his sentence overturned and his sentence was reduced after a successful appeal on March 23, 2026, allowing him to secure his release. Did he and his attorney determine he was innocent after he pled guilty?

  • Tamia July 28, 2026, 6:59 AM

    Nelson Mandela is home LMAO….

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