Youngstown Felon Williams Charged with Illegal Gun Possession

YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO – Federal authorities have hit the streets hard with a charge of illegal firearm possession against Andrew Kmon Williams, a 23-year-old from Youngstown. The U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announced that Williams was flagged in Operation Red-Zone, a joint effort aimed at curbing gun violence over the Labor Day weekend.

Williams, who has been flagged as a firearms offender under federal law due to a prior felony conviction, reportedly had two 9mm pistols on him during the holiday. ‘This defendant was in the Red-Zone, meaning he was prohibited from possessing firearms,’ Attorney Herdman emphasized. ‘Each illegal firearm taken off the streets is one less threat to our communities.’

The incident began when police identified Williams driving a vehicle suspected in a felonious assault. During a search of the vehicle, agents uncovered the two pistols. Williams later admitted knowledge of the firearms’ presence. His previous felony conviction, for possession of heroin, makes him prohibited from owning a firearm.

A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and Williams is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine Makridis is prosecuting this case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Operation Red-Zone has been a key element in Ohio’s battle against gun violence, targeting high-crime areas and those with histories of illegal firearms possession. This latest charge underscores the ongoing effort to make communities safer.

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