Valley Felons Busted with Illegal Firearms

YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Five men from the Mahoning Valley are facing federal charges after being indicted this week for illegally possessing firearms or ammunition, a clear violation of federal law. The indictments represent a concerted effort by federal and local law enforcement to keep guns out of the hands of those already prohibited from owning them.

United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Steven M. Dettelbach, announced the indictments, naming Michael Harver, 24, of Poland; Jawonn Hymes, 22, of Boardman; Andre L. Owens, 38, of Warren; Thomas I. Sledge, 33, of Struthers, and Carl D. Washington, 25, of Warren. Each man is accused of possessing a firearm or ammunition despite a prior felony conviction.

“We will continue to work to get firearms and ammunition off the street and out of the hands of felons who are forbidden by law from having them in the first place,” Dettelbach stated. “Cases like this are possible because of the efforts of federal agents and local police working together.” The indictments detail specific accusations against each defendant. Harver allegedly possessed an FIE .38-caliber pistol and ammunition on April 28, 2013, following a conviction for felonious assault in Mahoning County.

Hymes is accused of illegally possessing a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber pistol and ammunition on June 27, 2013, despite previous convictions for trafficking in drugs and possession of cocaine in Mahoning County. The charges against Owens stem from the possession of 9 mm Winchester bullets on May 27, 2013, despite a lengthy criminal history in both Trumbull County and Washington County, Pennsylvania, including convictions for sexual battery and multiple cocaine offenses. Sledge, allegedly had a CZ .40-caliber pistol and ammunition on June 5, 2013, while already carrying convictions in Trumbull County for attempted murder with a firearm specification, felonious assault, and having weapons under disability. Finally, Washington is accused of possessing an H&R .22-caliber revolver and ammunition on May 30, 2013, despite prior convictions for felonious assault, aggravated burglary and tampering with evidence in Trumbull County.

Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer is prosecuting the cases, built on investigations conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Youngstown Field Office, in collaboration with the Warren, Struthers, Youngstown, and Boardman Police Departments. The combined effort underscores a commitment to tackling gun violence at the local level.

While an indictment represents a serious accusation, it’s crucial to remember it is not proof of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial, where the government bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, sentencing will be determined by the court, taking into account each defendant’s criminal history, role in the offenses, and the specific details of the violations. Sentences will not exceed statutory maximums and are typically less than the maximum possible penalty.