Marlin Black, Machine Gun Possession, Ohio 2020

Machine Gun Possession Charges Hit Youngstown Man

A 28-year-old Youngstown man has been charged with illegal possession of a machine gun and receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman.

Marlin Black, 28, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury sitting in Cleveland.

The charges stem from an incident on July 31, 2020, when Youngstown Police were called to a domestic violence dispute involving gunshots. The victim claimed that Black allegedly fired a gun towards her. Officers arrested Black and recovered four firearms, ammunition, and narcotics.

During a phone call from jail, Black allegedly mentioned additional firearms located at his residence. A search warrant was obtained, and officers found a Glock model 17 with a machine gun conversion device attached. The firearm was not registered to Black in the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record, as required by law.

The indictment charges Black with possession of a machine gun, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(o), and receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 5845(a) and 18 U.S.C. § 922(y)(2).

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, Black's sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including Black's prior criminal record, his role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Youngstown Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine Makridis.

Defendant: Marlin Black, age 28, of Youngstown, Ohio

Criminal Charges: Illegal possession of a machine gun and receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm

City and State: Youngstown, Ohio

Exact Date: July 31, 2020

Sentence: Pending trial and sentencing

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh/pr/youngstown-man-charged-illegal-possession-machine-gun