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Former Convict Sentenced to 10 Years for Firearm Possession in Ohio
CLEVELAND, Ohio – In a shocking turn of events, 46-year-old John Ward, a resident of Maple Heights, Ohio, has been sentenced to 129 months (10.75 years) in prison for committing a firearm violation while out on parole for a separate, but similar, offense.
Ward, who was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment, pleaded guilty in December 2025 to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.
The investigation, conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), revealed that on August 2025, law enforcement was conducting a liquor law compliance inspection at a bar in Cleveland when they observed several individuals consuming alcohol outside the establishment.
As they approached the group, one man, later identified as Ward, moved away toward a vehicle. Officers then heard a hard object hit the ground. The object recovered near the vehicle was found to be an FN, Model 509, 9mm caliber pistol, loaded with 17 rounds in a 24-round magazine.
Agents noted that Ward appeared highly intoxicated and was taken into custody. The investigation further revealed that Ward had previous convictions for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition in 2022, and for Aggravated Robbery in 2010.
Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie A. Wojtasik and Scott C. Zarzycki for the Northern District of Ohio led the prosecution, bringing Ward to justice for his crimes.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of strict gun laws and the consequences of violating them. Ward’s sentence is a testament to the efforts of law enforcement and the justice system in keeping our communities safe.
With this conviction, Ward will be serving a total of 13.75 years behind bars, including his previous conviction for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition in 2022.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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