Adolphus Philpot, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Ohio 2023

CLEVELAND, Ohio - A federal jury has convicted a 36-year-old Maple Heights man of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Adolphus Philpot, 36, was convicted following a two-day trial before U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker in Cleveland.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on March 26, 2021, Philpot was arrested on an outstanding warrant for felonious assault, which stemmed from a January 2021 shooting. Following his arrest, law enforcement authorities began an investigation into information they had received regarding Philpot's suspected possession of firearms.

Authorities later determined that Philpot had concealed two firearms belonging to him in a residence and had contacted associates to arrange for the firearms to be hidden from law enforcement. Philpot is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous convictions of domestic violence, aggravated assault, and drug trafficking in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

This investigation was conducted by the Cleveland Division of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly L. Galvin.

Philpot's conviction stems from his possession of firearms despite being a convicted felon. The exact charges against him include being a felon in possession of a firearm, which is a federal offense.

The defendant's past crimes include convictions for domestic violence, aggravated assault, and drug trafficking. These convictions led to the prohibition of Philpot possessing a firearm.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of enforcing laws related to firearms and individuals with a history of violent crimes. The prosecution of this case is a testament to the efforts of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to keep communities safe.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh/pr/maple-heights-man-convicted-possessing-firearm-felon