Jemel E. Thompson, Heroin and Firearms Violations, Ohio 2014

Ashtabula Man Indicted for Heroin and Firearms Crimes

A federal grand jury has handed down a five-count indictment against Jemel E. Thompson, 25, of Ashtabula, Ohio, charging him with firearms and heroin violations.

According to the indictment, on or about August 8, 2014, Thompson was in possession of ammunition, after he had been previously convicted of arson in the Oakland County, Michigan, Circuit Court.

Thompson is also accused of attempting to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin on or about September 8, 2014, and using the United States mail in facilitating an attempt to distribute heroin on the same date.

Additionally, Thompson is charged with aiding and abetting Maranda M. Rabenold, 31, of Madison, Ohio, in making false statements to The Great Outdoors Store, North Kingsville, Ohio, in connection with the purchase of a HiPoint, 9mm pistol on or about June 16, 2014.

Rabenold is also charged with making false statements to LWS LJC, Inc., Jefferson, Ohio, in connection with the purchase of a HiPoint JCP pistol on or about July 19, 2014.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ashtabula Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason M. Katz.

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, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

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