AKRON, OH – Akron’s streets are a little less saturated with guns and drugs today after a massive coordinated takedown announced by federal and local authorities. More than 30 individuals are facing charges following a 60-day investigation focused on the city’s most volatile neighborhoods, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio revealed this morning. Ten additional suspects will face state-level prosecution.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) spearheaded the operation, backed by a coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement. The haul? A frightening arsenal: 32 pistols, one revolver, six rifles, two suppressors, and a machinegun conversion device. Alongside the weaponry, investigators 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 – enough poison to wipe out a significant portion of the city. One federal defendant remains at large as of this publication.
U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer, Acting Special Agent in Charge John G. Smerglia of the ATF Columbus Field Division, and Akron Police Chief Brian J. Harding jointly announced the indictments. The timing isn’t accidental; the announcement coincides with the launch of a new Akron Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC). This CGIC promises to be a central hub for intelligence gathering and coordination, leveraging forensic science to target violent criminals and build solid cases.
The indictments, while numerous, are reportedly separate investigations. Among those charged: Robert Hazel, 40, of Tallmadge (CN 5:25CR430), accused of Engaging in the Business of Manufacturing and Dealing Firearms without a License and Possession of Unregistered Firearms; Charles Klein, 49, of Tallmadge (CN 5:25CR431), facing charges related to Distribution of Methamphetamine; and Michael Czerpak, 45, and Jennifer Schaeffer, 37 (CN 5:25CR432), charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Distribution of Methamphetamine. David Felix, 33 (CN 5:25CR433), is charged with Distribution of Cocaine.
The list continues: Gary Robinson, 26 (CN 5:25CR434), faces multiple charges including 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. Four individuals – Alonzo Brewer, 22, Lily Palmer, 23, Madison Schreckengost, 23, and Diamond Taylor, 25 – are all accused of making False Statements during Purchase of Firearms and Straw Purchase of a Firearm. Terrance Bivens-Boyd, 19 (CN 5:25CR435), faces particularly serious charges, including Illegal Possession of a Machinegun and making False Statements During Purchase of a Firearm. Also charged in that case are Elijah Hawkins, 28 (Trafficking in Firearms) and Ellis Bloodworth II, 25 (False Statements & Straw Purchase).
Further indictments name Anthony Maurice Mims, 32 (CN 5:25CR436), a convicted felon facing charges for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, with prior convictions in 2012 and 2020; Davante Neal, 31, and Larry Vaughan, 67 (CN 5:25CR440), both charged with Distribution of Cocaine; Jaelyn Barnhart, 26, and Traci Howard, 26 (CN 5:25CR441), accused of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; Devontae Simmons, 32 (CN 5:25CR442), facing charges for Distribution of Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm; and Brandon Travis, 38 (CN 5:25CR443), another convicted felon, charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, with prior convictions dating back to 2008 and 2022. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are possible. This is a developing story.
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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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