YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Two Youngstown men are facing federal heat after a grand jury indictment revealed they were caught packing a Sig Sauer P228, 9mm pistol – despite both having lengthy criminal records that should have kept them far from firearms. Clifford Cross, 23, and Khaleb Bonner, 24, were indicted on charges of being felons in possession of a firearm and ammunition, according to a statement released by United States Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach for the Northern District of Ohio.
The feds allege that on or around May 4, 2014, Cross and Bonner were found to be in possession of the 9mm pistol and a supply of ammunition. This isn’t their first dance with the law. Court records show Cross was previously convicted of possession of cocaine in Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas. Bonner’s history is equally checkered, with a prior conviction for trafficking cocaine in Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas. It’s a familiar story: repeat offenders continuing to arm themselves, putting the community at risk.
Federal prosecutors are keeping tight-lipped about the specifics of how the gun came into their possession, but the investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Youngstown Police Department. The streets of Youngstown have seen a surge in gun violence, and authorities are clearly sending a message that illegal firearm possession won’t be tolerated. Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer is leading the prosecution.
If convicted, Cross and Bonner’s fate will be determined by a judge, who will consider a laundry list of factors – their criminal history, their role in this particular offense, and the nature of the violations. While the statutory maximum sentence hasn’t been disclosed, it’s likely to be significant given their prior convictions. However, prosecutors emphasized that the final sentence will almost certainly be less than the maximum allowed by law.
This indictment serves as a stark reminder that a charge is *not* a conviction. Both Cross and Bonner are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. They are entitled to a full and fair trial, where the government bears the burden of proving their guilt. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds, bringing you the unvarnished truth from the courtroom.
The ATF and Youngstown PD have been working overtime to stem the flow of illegal weapons into the city. This case is just one piece of a larger puzzle, a relentless effort to disarm criminals and make the streets safer. Whether this indictment will truly impact the city’s crime rate remains to be seen, but it’s a step in the right direction. The Grimy Times will be there to report on the results.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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