COLUMBUS, OH – Three Columbus men are facing federal charges after a coordinated crackdown on domestic abusers illegally possessing firearms, U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman announced today. The initiative, a joint effort between federal and local law enforcement, aims to aggressively prosecute those who combine a history of domestic violence with unlawful gun ownership.
Eldon G. Draper, 45, Stephon A. Moore, 30, and Brandon N. Zachariah, 26, all of Columbus, were indicted by a federal grand jury today on charges of possessing firearms and/or ammunition after being previously convicted of domestic violence-related crimes. The indictments represent the first wave of prosecutions under the newly announced program, signaling a tougher stance on abusers with access to weapons.
Court documents detail that on April 13, Draper possessed a Smith & Wesson .38 special and five rounds of ammunition. His criminal history in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas includes convictions for misdemeanor domestic violence, felonious assault, aggravated assault, arson (four counts), receipt of stolen property, and theft. Meanwhile, Moore allegedly had a 9mm firearm and 16 rounds of ammo on May 13, despite prior convictions for misdemeanor domestic violence, felonious assault, and attempted robbery. Zachariah, according to the indictment and police reports, was found with a pistol and 22 rounds of ammunition on March 20, following a previous conviction for felonious assault in Franklin County Court.
Federal law makes possessing a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon a serious offense, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years. Crucially, individuals with misdemeanor domestic violence convictions or active domestic violence protection orders are also legally prohibited from owning firearms. This initiative underscores the commitment to enforcing these restrictions and keeping guns out of the hands of those who pose a danger to intimate partners and families.
The initiative falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program focused on reducing violent crime through targeted enforcement and community partnerships. The ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) played a key role in the Moore case, providing investigative leads that linked firearms to potential crimes. NIBIN, a national database of ballistic evidence, helps law enforcement connect firearms used in multiple shootings and disrupt cycles of violence. (More information on NIBIN can be found at https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin)
U.S. Attorney Glassman emphasized that this program represents the Southern District of Ohio’s ongoing dedication to protecting individuals from intimate partner violence and bolstering the capacity of law enforcement and community organizations to effectively respond to domestic violence. The collaborative effort seeks to enhance communication between agencies and victim services, ensuring that abusers who illegally possess guns are identified and brought to justice. The investigation of these three cases was a joint effort between the ATF and the Columbus Division of Police.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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