YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Marvin T. Howard, 28, of Youngstown, is facing federal charges after being indicted by a grand jury for illegally possessing a firearm, the Department of Justice announced today. Howard is accused of violating federal law prohibiting convicted felons from owning weapons, a charge that carries significant penalties.
According to the indictment, Howard was found to be in possession of a Glock, model 19, 9mm pistol on or about May 17, 2014. This alleged possession occurred despite Howard already being a convicted felon. Records show Howard was previously convicted of robbery in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and also had a prior conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio – a repeat offense that federal prosecutors are likely to emphasize.
United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Steven M. Dettelbach, confirmed the indictment. While the indictment lays out the charges, it’s crucial to remember that it’s merely an accusation at this stage. Howard is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The government bears the full burden of proof.
The investigation that led to Howard’s indictment was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Youngstown Police Department. These agencies have been working to get illegal firearms off the streets and hold accountable those who violate gun laws, particularly repeat offenders. Details regarding how Howard came to possess the firearm remain undisclosed at this time.
If convicted, Howard’s sentencing will be determined by the judge, taking into consideration a range of factors including his criminal history, his specific role in this offense, and the nature of the violations. While the statutory maximum sentence hasn’t been specified, federal sentencing guidelines and judicial discretion will ultimately determine the punishment. It is important to note that sentences are often less than the statutory maximum.
Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer is prosecuting the case. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available. This indictment serves as a stark reminder that federal authorities are aggressively pursuing individuals who illegally possess firearms, contributing to the ongoing fight against gun violence in Ohio and across the nation.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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