Heath Turner, Firearms Trafficking, Ohio 2024
CLEVELAND, OH - In a shocking turn of events, a 46-year-old Cleveland man has been sentenced to 102 months (8.5 years) in prison for paying others to buy firearms for him while he was out on parole for a separate offense.
Heath Turner, 46, of Cleveland, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent after pleading guilty to Making a False Statement in Acquisition of a Firearm and Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. His previous convictions include Aggravated Burglary, Kidnapping, Aggravated Robbery, and Felonious Assault in 2015.
According to court documents, investigators found that Turner enlisted the help of several individuals to illegally acquire firearms. Due to his status as a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from having firearms or ammunition in his possession. However, he collaborated with these individuals to make false statements on purchase applications to deceive federally licensed firearms dealers.
After each purchase, these accomplices then transferred the firearms to Turner. During a search of Turner’s residence in June 2024 conducted by his parole officer, law enforcement found several firearms in his possession that others purchased for him, including six pistols, two rifles, and a shotgun.
Three other defendants, also of Cleveland, have been sentenced after pleading guilty to their roles in this case. Antwon Holt, 37, was sentenced to 37 months in prison; Cassandra Relik, 34, received nine months in prison; and Kristy Standen, 42, was given three years of probation.
This investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Wojtasik for the Northern District of Ohio.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of firearms trafficking and the importance of strict gun control laws. Turner's sentence is a testament to the hard work of law enforcement and the justice system in bringing him to justice.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant/Respondent: Heath Turner
Criminal Charges: Making a False Statement in Acquisition of a Firearm, Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm
City and State: Cleveland, Ohio
Exact Date: Not specified (June 2024)
Sentence or Outcome: 102 months (8.5 years) in prison, three years of supervised release
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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