Damen Winning, Marijuana Distribution, Gun Possession, Ohio 2017

Crime: Two Ravenna men were indicted on firearms and marijuana charges.

The indictments demonstrate the U.S. Attorney's commitment to prosecuting individuals who carry firearms when they are not allowed by law to have them, said Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney.

These individuals often use firearms as a tool of their trade, increasing the odds of a deadly encounter.

Damen Winning, 23, was indicted on charges of possessing with intent to distribute marijuana, possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to the indictment, Winning possessed marijuana with the intent to distribute on November 16, 2017. He also possessed firearms in connection to his drug trafficking, including a Glock .40 pistol and ammunition.

Winning's prior conviction in the Portage County Court of Common Pleas for drug trafficking makes him a felon, and he is not allowed to possess a firearm.

Richard Lester Thomas, 63, is charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Thomas possessed marijuana with the intent to distribute on September 20, 2017, and a Ruger .22 rifle and ammunition, despite prior convictions for attempted possession of chemicals to manufacture controlled substances and possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs in the Portage County Court of Common Pleas.

The cases are unrelated, and both are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer.

The Winning investigation was conducted by the United States Marshal Service, the Akron Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

The Thomas investigation was conducted by the Portage County Drug Task Force and the ATF.

If convicted, Winning's sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including his prior criminal record, his role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violations.

In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh/pr/ravenna-men-indicted-firearms-and-drug-charges