Raymone “Ramone” Clements, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Clevelan…

Cleveland’s Raymone “Ramone” Clements, a 42-year-old repeat offender with a rap sheet that includes rape and drug trafficking convictions, is now facing an additional federal charge for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio announced that a superseding indictment was filed against Clements, who was initially indicted on a charge of being a felon in possession of ammunition. On December 20, 2012, authorities discovered one round of .357-caliber ammunition and two rounds of .22-caliber ammunition in his possession, despite his previous convictions for rape (2006), drug trafficking (2003), and aggravated robbery (1991).

Adding fuel to the fire, a second count has been added to the indictment. This charge alleges that on or about January 17, 2013, Clements possessed a Rossi, Model Garrucha, .22-caliber Derringer with serial number 307228. The additional charge comes as no surprise to Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, who stated, “This office places a high priority on keeping firearms and ammunition out of the hands of those who are forbidden by law from obtaining them.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Robin Shoemaker echoed this sentiment, saying, “We will continue to work side by side with our federal, state, county, and local law enforcement partners to make sure those individuals who illegally possess firearms and/or ammunition are held accountable for their actions.” The ATF and the Cleveland Heights Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly L. Galvin is handling the prosecution of this latest charge against Clements. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including his prior criminal records and role in the offenses.

It’s important to note that an indictment is only a charge, and Clements is entitled to a fair trial where the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.