AKRON, OH – Akron’s streets are a little less saturated with guns and drugs after a massive takedown announced today by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. More than 30 individuals are facing federal charges, with another ten facing state-level prosecution, stemming from a 60-day investigation into the city’s most violent corners. This isn’t a clean-up, it’s a temporary dent in a deeply entrenched system.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) spearheaded the operation, backed by a coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement. The coordinated arrests concluded this morning, but one federal defendant remains at large. The haul? A disturbing arsenal: 32 pistols, one revolver, six rifles, two suppressors, and a machinegun conversion device. And the drugs? Enough to keep the city hooked for weeks. Authorities seized 417.6 grams of powdered cocaine, 376 grams of crack cocaine, 94 grams of heroin, a staggering 4663.4 grams of methamphetamine, 443.5 grams of marijuana, and 134.6 grams of fentanyl.
U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio, Acting Special Agent in Charge John G. Smerglia for the ATF Columbus Field Division, and Akron Police Chief Brian J. Harding jointly announced the indictments. The timing coincides with the launch of a new Akron Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC), touted as an “intelligence hub” to tackle firearm-related crime. Don’t expect miracles; it’s just another layer of bureaucracy built on the backs of a broken system.
The indictments paint a grim picture of Akron’s underworld. Robert Hazel, 40, of Tallmadge, faces charges of Engaging in the Business of Manufacturing and Dealing Firearms without a License and Possession of Unregistered Firearms (CN 5:25CR430). Charles Klein, 49, also of Tallmadge, is accused of Distribution of Methamphetamine (CN 5:25CR431). Michael Czerpak, 45, and Jennifer Schaeffer, 37, are jointly charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Distribution of Methamphetamine (CN 5:25CR432). David Felix, 33, is facing charges for Distribution of Cocaine (CN 5:25CR433). Gary Robinson, 26, is charged with Distribution of Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Trafficking in Firearms. Walter Hicks, 23, is charged with Trafficking in Firearms. Alonzo Brewer, 22, Lily Palmer, 23, Madison Schreckengost, 23, and Diamond Taylor, 25, are all charged with making False Statements during Purchase of Firearms and Straw Purchase of a Firearm (CN 5:25CR434).
The list continues. Terrance Bivens-Boyd, 19, is charged with Distribution of Cocaine, Trafficking in Firearms, Illegal Possession of a Machinegun, and making False Statements During Purchase of a Firearm. Elijah Hawkins, 28, is charged with Trafficking in Firearms. Ellis Bloodworth II, 25, is charged with making False Statements During Purchase of Firearm and Straw Purchase of Firearm (CN 5:25CR435). Anthony Maurice Mims, 32, a repeat offender with prior convictions for burglary (2012) and domestic violence (2020), is charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm (CN 5:25CR436). Davante Neal, 31, and Larry Vaughan, 67, both face Distribution of Cocaine charges (CN 5:25CR440). Jaelyn Barnhart, 26, and Traci Howard, 26, are accused of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (CN 5:25CR441). Devontae Simmons, 32, is charged with Distribution of Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (CN 5:25CR442). Finally, Brandon Travis, 38, with prior convictions for involuntary manslaughter (2008) and robbery (2022), is charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, and Possession with Intent to distribute (CN 5:25CR443).
These indictments are, according to authorities, separate incidents. But anyone familiar with street-level crime knows the connections run deep. Whether this operation represents a genuine blow to Akron’s criminal networks or simply a temporary disruption remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the cycle of violence and addiction will continue until the underlying issues of poverty, lack of opportunity, and systemic inequality are addressed. And that’s not going to happen with a press conference and a new intelligence center.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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