Youngstown Felon, Rootstown Gun Owner Face Federal Charges

YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Two Ohio men are facing federal firearms charges after separate investigations led to indictments announced today by Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja for the Northern District of Ohio. The cases highlight ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal gun possession in the state.

Anthony V. Mascarella, 29, of Youngstown, has been indicted on a single count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment details that on November 15, 2016, Mascarella allegedly possessed a Smith & Wesson, model SD40VE, .40 caliber pistol, along with ammunition. This possession occurred after Mascarella was convicted of domestic violence in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas back in 2007, legally barring him from owning a firearm.

In a separate case, Terry Lee Leitch, 33, of Rootstown, faces charges for possession of an unregistered firearm. According to the indictment, on September 12, 2016, Leitch was found to be in possession of a New England Firearms, model Pardner SB-1, 20 gauge shotgun. The shotgun had been modified with a shortened barrel – approximately 13 inches long, giving the firearm an overall length of roughly 19.25 inches – and was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by law.

Federal sentencing guidelines will dictate the potential penalties if either defendant is convicted. The court will consider a range of factors, including any prior criminal history, the specific role each defendant played in the alleged offenses, and the details of the violations themselves. While the maximum statutory sentence applies, it is typical for sentences to fall below that mark.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer is prosecuting both cases. The investigations were a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and local law enforcement: the Youngstown Police Department assisted in the Mascarella case, while the Portage County Sheriff’s Office investigated the allegations against Leitch. The ATF’s involvement signals a clear focus on firearms-related crime in the region.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation. Both Mascarella and Leitch 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 responsibility of proving their guilt. Grimy Times will continue to follow these cases as they progress through the legal system.