Lewis Powell, a 37-year-old Warren man, has been sentenced to nearly 13 years in prison for his role in illegally selling firearms, heroin, and cocaine. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Donald Nugent, is a significant blow to the criminal underworld in the Mahoning Valley.
Powell pleaded guilty in April to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine and one count of being an unlicensed dealer willfully engaged in the business of dealing firearms. The charges against him were the result of a thorough investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Warren Police Department.
According to statements made in court, Powell sold heroin to undercover officers on multiple occasions. He also sold 20 firearms, including three with obliterated serial numbers. This blatant disregard for the law and the safety of his community has earned him a sentence of 155 months in federal prison.
The prosecution of Powell was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Riedl and David M. Toepfer. The case was the result of a collaborative effort between multiple agencies, including the TAG Task Force, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification, the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, the Youngstown Police Department, and the Ravenna Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach praised the sentence, saying it would make the Mahoning Valley a safer place. “This defendant trafficked in drugs and guns, including some with obliterated serial numbers,” Dettelbach said. “This sentence will hopefully make the Mahoning Valley a bit safer.” The sentence is a clear message to those who would engage in similar criminal activity: the law will not tolerate it.
The case against Powell is a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies in the region. The cooperation and collaboration between these agencies have resulted in the removal of a significant threat to public safety. As Powell begins his sentence, the community can take comfort in knowing that justice has been served.
In addition to the prison sentence, Powell’s case serves as a reminder of the dangers of firearms and narcotics trafficking. The sale of illegal guns and drugs can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities. The sentence handed down in this case is a clear warning to those who would engage in such activity: the consequences will be severe.
RELATED: Powell’s Arsenal: Ohio Gun Cases Surge
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
