Oszie ‘Mongoose’ Russell Says Prison Changed Him After Release

Popular Antiguan tattoo artist and social media personality Oszie Kelvin Russell, widely known as “Mongoose,” says his 15-month prison sentence was one of the most difficult periods of his life, as he thanked supporters following his release from His Majesty’s Prison.

In a lengthy social media post published after regaining his freedom on Monday, Russell reflected on his incarceration, acknowledged his mistakes and urged young people to avoid making similar decisions.

“I am finally out! I f**ked around and found out!” Russell wrote, adding that he was arrested on April 22, 2025, and was originally sentenced to three years and six months in prison.

Russell said his sentence was reduced after a successful appeal on March 23, 2026, allowing him to secure his release after serving 15 months, four days, 12 hours and 10 minutes.

“It was one of the longest, most grueling, and most difficult phases of my life,” he wrote. “During that time, I reflected, rethought my priorities, regrouped, and worked to become a better version of myself.”

The 40-year-old said he was grateful to be free and planned to spend time with his family and loved ones before returning to work. He also announced that his WhatsApp business line would resume once he had settled back into daily life.

Russell credited his family, friends and supporters with helping him endure his time behind bars, saying their encouragement, visits, prayers and financial assistance gave him the strength to persevere.

“My strength didn’t come from within alone,” he wrote. “It was built through the unwavering support, encouragement, and love of the people who stood beside me.”

He concluded his message with a warning to younger people, writing, “Youths keep out of trouble,” while expressing appreciation to dozens of relatives, friends, businesses and supporters whom he said stood by him throughout his imprisonment.

Russell was convicted after pleading guilty in 2025 to possessing an unlicensed firearm, ammunition and a suppressor. His case attracted significant public attention following his arrest in April 2025.

Source: Antigua News Room ‘I Fked Around and Found Out’: Mongoose Says Prison Was ‘One of the Most Difficult Phases’ of His Life.