Henry B. Essick, III, Gun Possession, Ohio 2019

DAYTON, Ohio - A Dayton man has been sentenced to six years in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, according to a federal sentencing handed down today by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose.

Henry B. Essick, III, 34, was sentenced to 72 months in prison after pleading guilty in May 2019 to one count of illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also determined that Essick will serve this sentence consecutive to his current state prison sentence.

According to court documents, in September 2018, Essick possessed a Bolt Action Rifle while on post-release control with the State of Ohio. Authorities searched Essick's residence on Harvard Boulevard in Dayton and located the rifle in a downstairs closet during a parole visit.

Essick has previously been convicted of felonies, including attempted aggravated arson, rape, and kidnapping. He is currently in state custody after being convicted of forgery charges. The investigation was led by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in partnership with the Southern District of Ohio.

U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman commended the work of the ATF and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy M. Smith, who represented the U.S. in this case. The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a departmental strategy aimed at reducing violent crime in communities nationwide.

Evidence presented during the sentencing hearing revealed that Essick's history of violent crime and his possession of a firearm made him a serious threat to public safety. His sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense and the need to protect the community from further harm.

The Southern District of Ohio is committed to addressing the root causes of violent crime and working with our law enforcement partners to bring those who commit these crimes to justice. We will continue to work tirelessly to make our communities safer and more secure.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh/pr/dayton-man-sentenced-six-years-prison-possessing-firearm-after-felony-convictions