The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Ohio has announced that a grand jury has indicted two Central Ohio men for their involvement in four separate armed robberies of U.S. Postal carriers. Cameron D. Newton, aged 19, from Westerville, and Thierno S. Bah, aged 20, from Columbus, were charged in an indictment returned on August 10. This case adds to a series of similar prosecutions in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Columbus, with previous convictions and pending charges related to armed robberies of Postal carriers. The indictment alleges that Newton and Bah used firearms to rob Postal carriers of their U.S. Postal Service keys between December 2022 and May 2023. The individuals face significant penalties if convicted, including prison time and the forfeiture of proceeds from their criminal conduct.
Indictment of Central Ohio Men for Armed Robberies
Two More Men Indicted for Armed Robberies of Postal Carriers
On August 10, a grand jury indicted Cameron D. Newton and Thierno S. Bah, two Central Ohio men, for their involvement in four separate armed robberies against U.S. Postal carriers. This latest indictment is part of a series of similar prosecutions taking place in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Columbus. Notably, Brandon J. Campbell was previously sentenced to 78 months in prison for two armed Postal carrier robberies, and charges are pending against Mahad S. Jama, Da’Mon D. May, and Cody N. Beasley for an armed Postal robbery that occurred in April 2023 in Dublin. The indictment alleges that Newton and Bah used firearms and robbed Postal carriers of their U.S. Postal Service keys between December 2022 and May 2023.
Connection to Previous Prosecutions
The indictment of Newton and Bah for armed robberies of Postal carriers is part of an ongoing effort by law enforcement to address this concerning trend. The previous prosecution of Brandon J. Campbell, as well as the pending charges against Mahad S. Jama, Da’Mon D. May, and Cody N. Beasley, demonstrate the determination of authorities to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice. By linking these cases and identifying patterns of criminal behavior, law enforcement aims to disrupt and prevent future armed robberies against Postal carriers.
Superseding Indictment Charges
The superseding indictment against Cameron D. Newton and Thierno S. Bah includes charges related to the four armed robberies they are accused of committing. Both individuals are alleged to have used firearms and stolen U.S. Postal Service keys during the commission of these crimes. The charges brought against them highlight the severity of their alleged actions and the potential consequences they may face if convicted.
Dates of Robberies
The indictment specifies that the armed robberies attributed to Newton and Bah occurred on the following dates: December 29, 2022; January 3, 2023 (two separate robberies on this date); and May 11, 2023. These dates provide a timeline of the criminal activities allegedly carried out by the defendants, allowing investigators to gather evidence and build a strong case against them.
Discovery of Stolen USPS Key
During the execution of a search warrant at Cameron D. Newton’s residence in May 2023, federal agents made a significant discovery. The stolen USPS key, which was taken during the May 11 robbery where a Postal employee was pistol-whipped, was found in Newton’s possession. This crucial piece of evidence connects Newton directly to the crime and strengthens the case against him.
Arrest of Thierno S. Bah
Thierno S. Bah, also known as “Wopo” and “Wopoonese,” was arrested on the day of the indictment. Bah’s arrest marks a significant development in the investigation, as it allows law enforcement to bring him to justice and hold him accountable for his alleged involvement in the armed robberies committed against Postal carriers.
Potential Penalties if Convicted
Forfeiture of Proceeds
If Cameron D. Newton is convicted, he may be subject to forfeiture proceedings involving approximately $22,000 in proceeds from the alleged criminal conduct. Forfeiture allows authorities to deprive criminals of their ill-gotten gains, reinforcing the message that crime does not pay.
Penalties for Robbery
Robbery is a serious offense with severe penalties. If convicted, Newton and Bah may face up to 25 years in prison for each armed robbery they are charged with. These penalties reflect the gravity of their alleged crimes and serve as a deterrent for others considering similar acts of violence.
Penalties for Using a Firearm During a Crime of Violence
The use of firearms during the commission of a crime of violence carries significant penalties. Newton and Bah, if convicted, could face a minimum of five years and up to life in prison for each offense involving a firearm. These penalties reflect the danger posed by the use of firearms in the commission of crimes and the need to protect the safety of the public and law enforcement officers.
Penalties for Possessing a Stolen USPS Key
Possessing a stolen USPS key is a federal offense with serious consequences. If convicted, Newton and Bah could face up to 10 years in prison. The possession of stolen Postal Service keys not only facilitates criminal activities but also undermines the integrity of the mail system, threatening the security of countless individuals and businesses.
Announcement of Charges
Officials Involved in the Announcement
The announcement of the charges against Cameron D. Newton and Thierno S. Bah was made by several officials representing various law enforcement agencies. Kenneth L. Parker, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, along with J. William Rivers (Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Cincinnati Division), Lesley Allison (Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service), Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant, Westerville Police Chief Charles Chandler, and Whitehall Police Chief Mike Crispen collectively presented the charges to the public. This multi-agency effort demonstrates the collaborative approach taken by law enforcement to address and combat violent crimes in the Central Ohio area.
Representing the United States
Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton is representing the United States in the case against Cameron D. Newton and Thierno S. Bah. A seasoned prosecutor with a thorough understanding of federal law, Litton will work diligently to present compelling evidence and arguments in court to secure convictions and hold the defendants accountable for their alleged crimes.
Presumption of Innocence
It is important to remember that the charges brought against Cameron D. Newton and Thierno S. Bah are merely allegations at this stage. Both individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. This presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle of the criminal justice system, ensuring that individuals are not unfairly prejudged and are afforded a fair trial.
Related Content
Conviction of Columbus Man for Six Robberies
In a separate case, a Columbus man was recently convicted for committing six robberies in Columbus in September and October 2020. This conviction serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to address and confront violent crimes in the region. By successfully prosecuting individuals responsible for multiple robberies, law enforcement demonstrates their commitment to protecting the community and seeking justice for victims.
Additional Defendant Charged in Armed Robbery Case
In connection with an armed robbery of a mail carrier in April 2023, a third defendant has been arrested and charged. This development underscores the collaborative efforts of law enforcement to identify and apprehend individuals involved in crimes against Postal carriers. By targeting those responsible for these offenses, authorities aim to prevent further harm and send a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated.
Sentencing of Columbus Man for Armed Robbery
A Columbus man was recently sentenced to 10 years in prison for an armed robbery that took place in January 2019. This sentencing demonstrates the severe penalties that can be imposed on individuals convicted of armed robberies. As with the cases involving Cameron D. Newton and Thierno S. Bah, law enforcement’s pursuit of justice continues unabated, holding perpetrators accountable for their actions and safeguarding the community.
Contact Information
For more information or inquiries regarding the indictment of Cameron D. Newton and Thierno S. Bah, please contact the Main Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio. The office can be reached at the following address and phone numbers:
Main Office Address: 303 Marconi Boulevard, Suite 200 Columbus, OH 43215
Phone Numbers: Columbus: 614-469-5715 Cincinnati: 513-684-3711 Dayton: 937-225-2910
Law enforcement agencies and community members are encouraged to reach out if they have any information or concerns related to this case or any other criminal activities. Your cooperation is crucial in maintaining public safety and ensuring the swift and fair administration of justice.