In a recent development, a federal grand jury in Columbus, Ohio, has indicted two central Ohio men on charges of aiding and abetting bank robbery and aiding and abetting the use of a firearm in a crime of violence. Aden Abdullahi Jama, 20, and Fazsal M. Darod, 23, allegedly committed the crimes on July 6th by robbing a Fifth Third bank in Hilliard. Following the robbery, a shootout ensued on I-70 near downtown Columbus, resulting in severe injuries to a Columbus Police officer and the death of a third individual in the car with Darod and Jama. Both men have been in custody since their arrests and face potential prison sentences of up to 20 years and life, respectively. The announcement of the indictment was made by Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, alongside several other law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.
Grand jury indicts two central Ohio men for bank robbery, gun crime in connection with I-70 shootout
Overview
In a recent development, a federal grand jury in Ohio has indicted two central Ohio men, Aden Abdullahi Jama and Fazsal M. Darod, for their alleged involvement in a bank robbery and gun crime. The incident took place on July 6th, when the suspects robbed a Fifth Third bank in Hilliard. Following the robbery, a shootout occurred on I-70 near downtown Columbus, resulting in a severe injury to a Columbus Police officer and the fatality of another individual in the suspects’ car. The indictment charges the defendants with aiding and abetting bank robbery and the use of a firearm in a crime of violence.
Charges and Allegations
The indictment returned by the federal grand jury includes two counts against Jama and Darod. The first count charges them with aiding and abetting bank robbery, while the second count alleges their involvement in aiding and abetting the use of a firearm in a crime of violence. These charges are serious offenses that carry potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison for the bank robbery charge and a potential penalty of at least five years and up to life in prison for the firearm charge.
The Incident
The bank robbery took place on July 6th at a Fifth Third bank located in Hilliard, Ohio. Jama and Darod allegedly robbed the bank, and shortly after the crime, law enforcement officers encountered them on I-70 near downtown Columbus. A shootout followed the encounter, resulting in a severe injury to a Columbus Police officer and the death of another individual who was in the suspects’ car. The exact details of the alleged crimes and the events leading up to the shootout are still being investigated.
Arrest and Custody
Following the incident, law enforcement agencies took swift action in apprehending the suspects. Fazsal M. Darod was arrested by the United States Marshals’ Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team on July 7th, outside his residence in Columbus. Aden Abdullahi Jama was apprehended by U.S. Marshals and Homeland Security Investigation agents at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on July 8th. Jama is currently being transported back to Ohio. Both defendants have been in custody since their arrests.
Punishments
The charges brought against Jama and Darod carry severe penalties if they are convicted. Aiding and abetting a bank robbery is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, while aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a crime of violence carries a potential penalty of at least five years and up to life in prison. The severity of the punishment will depend on various factors, including the defendants’ criminal history, the extent of their involvement in the crimes, and any additional aggravating circumstances.
Officials Involved
Several law enforcement agencies and officials were involved in the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of Jama and Darod. Kenneth L. Parker, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Daryl S. McCormick, the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant, the United States Marshals in Columbus and Chicago, ICE and HSI Chicago, J. William Rivers, the Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, the local police departments of Whitehall, Minerva Parka, and Upper Arlington, and Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin all played significant roles in ensuring the suspects were apprehended and brought to justice.
Legal Representation
In this case, the United States is being represented by Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton. As the legal representative of the United States, Mr. Litton will present the evidence, argue the case, and seek justice on behalf of the victims and the community affected by the alleged crimes.
Presumption of Innocence
It is essential to remember that Jama and Darod, like any individuals accused of a crime, are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. An indictment, such as the one returned by the grand jury, only contains allegations and does not establish guilt. The defendants have the right to legal representation and a fair trial, during which the prosecution must present compelling evidence to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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For further information and updates regarding this case, individuals can reach out to Jennifer Thornton at jennifer.thornton@usdoj.gov. Additionally, contact information for relevant offices and agencies involved in this case can be found at the end of this article.
Contact Information
For more information or inquiries about this case, please reach out to:
- Jennifer Thornton: jennifer.thornton@usdoj.gov
Office locations and contact numbers can be found below:
- Southern District of Ohio Main Office: 303 Marconi Boulevard, Suite 200 Columbus, OH 43215
- Columbus: 614-469-5715
- Cincinnati: 513-684-3711
- Dayton: 937-225-2910