Thomas Piispanen, Prohibited Person in Possession of Firearms, Ohio 2024
Thomas Piispanen, a 31-year-old Akron man with a history of domestic violence convictions, was indicted for illegally possessing five firearms and ammunition in Summit County, Ohio.
Piispanen was charged with one count of being a prohibited person in possession of firearms, a federal offense.
The indictment stems from an incident on February 20, 2024, when Piispanen allegedly possessed a Bersa 9 mm pistol, an H&K .40-caliber pistol, a Sig Sauer 9 mm pistol, an IO .762-caliber rifle, a Ruger .380-caliber pistol, and ammunition.
Piispanen was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to his 2007 conviction in Massillon Municipal Court for domestic violence and a 2011 conviction in Massillon Municipal Court for domestic violence.
“People who hurt their spouses or partners are not allowed to have a firearm, and we are committed to prosecuting those abusers who ignore the law,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman.
The investigation into Piispanen's activities was conducted by the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, New Franklin Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter E. Daly.
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.
Piispanen's sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including his prior criminal records, 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.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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