Columbus Field Division
Welcome to the ATF Columbus Field Division. The Columbus Field Division serves the third largest population base of any of the 25 ATF field divisions in the country, encompassing Ohio and Indiana (with the exception of eight Southern Indiana counties). The division office is located in Columbus, Ohio; criminal enforcement field offices and industry operations area offices are located in cities throughout Ohio and Indiana.
Criminal enforcement offices are staffed by special agents and industry operations area offices are staffed by industry operations investigators (IOI), both are supported by administrative personnel. Division resources include ATF explosives detection canines and their special agent handlers; special agent certified fire investigators (CFI), experts in fire investigation and cause and origin; special agent certified explosives specialists; explosives enforcement officers; division counsel; and forensic auditors.
Special agents initiate firearms investigations to combat firearms-related violence, firearms trafficking, armed drug trafficking, and gang violence. Special agents investigate explosives and arson incidents, thefts of explosives, and enforce laws designed to prevent illegal diversion schemes involving alcohol and tobacco products. Strong partnerships with state and local law enforcement agencies include state and local officers who are assigned to some ATF field offices’ task force initiatives, which are designed to combat violent crime.
IOIs review the operations and premises of federal firearms and explosives licensees who are regulated by ATF such as dealers, importers, exporters, and manufacturers. This includes enforcement of the Safe Explosives Act of 2002, which mandates a field inspection on all original and renewable applications pertaining to explosives.
We encourage all members of the community to help us in reducing violent crime in their communities. Call ATF at (614) 827-8400 or email us at ColumbusDiv@atf.gov and let us know what we can do for you.
Robert J. Browning
Division Management Team
- Robert J. Browning
- Special Agent In Charge (SAC)
- Brandt A. Schenken
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Wayne L. Dixie, Jr.
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Marcia Lambert
- Director of Industry Operations (DIO)
- David Coulson
- Public Information Officer (PIO)
Division Contact Information
Receive Columbus Press Release Updates
Hogsett Announces Indictment of Five Bloomington–Area Residents on Drug and Gun Charges
January 12, 2012
BLOOMINGTON — Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today the indictment of five Bloomington–area residents on federal drug and gun charges. The sixteencount indictment follows an investigation by the Bloomington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).More »
Hogsett Announces Indictment of Knox County Man on Federal Gun Charges
December 20, 2011
VINCENNES — Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced that Brent Brazier, 38, of Edwardsport, was charged with possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of a felony. This prosecution follows an investigation by the Indiana State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and local law enforcement.More »
ATF Offers Reward in Gun Shop Burglary
December 15, 2011
Hammond, Ind. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons(s) responsible for the theft of firearms from Deb’s Gun Range, 6819 Kennedy Avenue, Hammond, Ind. The burglary occurred at approximately 4:15 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15.More »
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years for Firearms Charge
December 15, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS – Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced that Jerry Crawford, 51, Indianapolis, was sentenced to 180 months in prison yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker following his guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives Achilles Task Force.More »
Week in Review – South Bend
November 23, 2011
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that:More »
Fifteen Added in Superseding Indictment Charging Latin Kings Members and Associates in a RICO Conspiracy
November 18, 2011
Hammond, Indiana – Fifteen alleged members or associates of the Latin Kings have been indicted for their alleged roles in a racketeering conspiracy in Hammond, Ind., and elsewhere, announced U.S. Attorney David Capp of the Northern District of Indiana and Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.More »
South Bend Man Sentenced to Over 13 Years Imprisonment
November 17, 2011
South Bend, Indiana – The United States Attorney’s Office announced:More »
Hogsett Announces Another Federal Indictment in Death of Terre Haute Officer Brent Long
November 2, 2011
TERRE HAUTE — Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today the arrest and indictment of Brad Keller, a.k.a. Pappy,
age 48, of Terre Haute, on gun charges that allegedly tie him to the firearm used in the killing of Terre Haute Police Officer Brent Long on July 11 of this year. The indictment stems from an ongoing investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, and the Terre Haute Police Department.More »
Elkhart Man Sentenced to 14 Years Imprisonment
October 28, 2011
Erik Solano, 23, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Jon DeGuilio to 168 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of distribution of cocaine and conspiracy. Solano admitted in his plea agreement that he distributed powder cocaine in 2009 in Elkhart County on two occasions, and that he conspired with others to distribute marijuana and cocaine on numerous occasions in 2010. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.More »
Final Man in Cincinnati Trio Sentenced to 130 Months in Prison in Home Invasion Scheme
October 27, 2011
DAYTON — Edward Austin, 25, of Cincinnati, was sentenced here today to 130 months imprisonment in connection with an attempted home invasion of suspected drug dealers. His co–conspirators, Jerome Osborne, 25, and Rashad E. Runyon, 23, both of Cincinnati, were sentenced in September 2011 in the same scheme.More »
Hogsett Announces Latest Violent Crime Initiative Success in Delaware County
October 20, 2011
MUNCIE — As part of the ongoing U.S. Attorney Violent Crime Initiative, Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today that convicted felon William Tyrone Davis, 33, of Muncie, has been charged with three gun–related crimes stemming from his alleged illegal possession and misuse of firearms. This indictment follows an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF).More »
Hogsett Announces Multiple Arrests, Dozens of Firearms Seized
October 17, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS - Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today that four individuals from central Indiana are under arrest in connection with a year-long firearms trafficking investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Arrested were Victor Espinoza, of Danville, and Robert Goings, Carlos Saavedra-Gallegos ("Saavedra"), and Federico Garza, all of Indianapolis. Another alleged participant in the trafficking operation remains a fugitive at this time.More »
Hogsett Announces Filing of Gun Charges Against an Evansville Armed Career Criminal
September 30, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS – Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today that Ricky Dillard (a.k.a. Ricky Rolack), 45, of Evansville, has been charged with four gun-related crimes stemming from the May 2, 2011, burglary of the Fares Loan and Pawn in Evansville. The charges are the result of an joint investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Evansville Police Department.More »
Firearms Trafficking Alleged
September 26, 2011
Hammond, Indiana — United States Attorney David Capp announced today that a federal grand jury returned a nine count Indictment charging three Lafayette men with gun crimes. This indictment was the result of a cooperative law enforcement effort by the Lafayette Police Department, the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department, the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Enforcement (ATF).More »
Former Lake County Sheriff’s Officers Indicted
September 22, 2011
Hammond, Indiana — A federal grand jury returned an Indictment against three Lake County Sheriff’s Officers alleging federal firearms and tax violations, announced David Capp, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana. United States Attorney Capp also announced that all three defendants have agreed to plead guilty to the indictment.More »
Week In Review – Fort Wayne
September 16, 2011
Jermaine Cooper, 39, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Theresa Springmann to 265 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after being found guilty at trial on counts 1ss, 3ss, 4ss, 5ss, 7ss, and 8ss of an Indictment charging him with distribution of crack cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and obstructing justice.More »
Twelve People Indicted in Federal Court on Illegal Firearms Charges
September 14, 2011
Twelve people were indicted today in federal court on illegal firearms charges, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.More »
Twelve People Indicted on Illegal Firearms Charges
September 14, 2011
Twelve people were indicted today in federal court on illegal firearms charges, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. Five of the defendants are from Akron. Three are from Youngstown. Four are from the Greater Cleveland area.More »
ATF Offers Reward in Gun Shop Burglaries
September 12, 2011
Columbus, Ohio — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the theft of firearms from Buy Here Sell Here, 1257 W. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio. The burglaries occurred at approximately 5 a.m., Sept. 4 and at approximately midnight, Sept. 5.More »
Hogsett Announces that Franklink Man Sentenced for Threatening a Witness
September 9, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS – Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today that Roger D. Hodson, 28, Franklin, Ind., was sentenced to 46 months (almost four years) in prison on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Jane E. Magnus-Stinson following his guilty plea to threatening a witness in a federal investigation. This case was the result of an investigation by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.More »
Hogsett Announces Another Indianapolis Man Charged with Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm
August 26, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS – Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced that Shane L. Tadlock, 30, Indianapolis, was charged with possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of a felony. This prosecution follows an investigation by the Avon Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.More »
Violent Felon Gang Leader Resentenced
August 19, 2011
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced:More »
Week in Review – Fort Wayne
August 19, 2011
Fort Wayne, Indiana – The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following:More »
Hogsett Keeps Promise to Greene County
August 17, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS – Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced that a federal grand jury in Indianapolis today charged Brandon Criss, 28, Linton, Ind., with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Greene County Sheriff’s Department, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.More »
ATF Offers Reward in Gun Shop Burglary
August 11, 2011
Eastlake, Ohio – The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the theft of firearms from Sherwin Shooting Sports, 33140 Vine St., Eastlake, Ohio. The burglary occurred at approximately 2:15 a.m. on Wednesday.More »
Mansfield, Ohio Man Sentenced to 60 Years for Firebombing Mansfield City Hall and Courthouse, and Setting Fire to Local Bar
August 5, 2011
Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, today announced that Kevin D. Dye, age 41, of Mansfield, Ohio, was sentenced to serve 60 years in federal prison for firebombing the Mansfield, Ohio City Hall and Courthouse and setting a local Mansfield bar on fire. In addition to the prison term, Dye was sentenced to serve five years on federal supervised release after his release from prison and to pay more than $860,000 in restitution. The sentence, which included an enhancement under the Sentencing Guidelines for committing an act of terrorism, was imposed by United States District Court Judge Sara Lioi after a hearing at the federal courthouse in Cleveland.More »
Three Sentenced on Burglary of Great Lakes Outdoor Supply
August 5, 2011
Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Robert Browning, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division, today announced that Dwayne Freeman, age 41; Edward E. Brown, age 41; and Isabel Abdur–Razzaque, age 51, all of Cleveland, Ohio, were sentenced after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy, theft of firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee, being a felon in possession of firearms, and possession of stolen firearms. All three defendants appeared before Judge Donald C. Nugent this afternoon and were sentenced as follows:More »
Week in Review — Hammond
July 29, 2011
James Elliott, 31, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Simon to 180 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to count one of an indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.More »
Defendant Given 20 Years for Evansville Drug Conspiracy and Illegal Use of Gun
July 22, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS — Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today that TERRELL WILLIAMS, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by U.S. District Chief Judge Richard L. Young following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and use of a firearm in connection with his drug distribution activities.More »
Ellettsville Gun Store Raided, Weapons Seized, Owner Arrested
July 19, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS – United States Attorney Joseph H. Hogsett revealed today that, in June 2010, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department received preliminary information that an Ellettsville gun shop, and specifically, its owner, Donald Mullendore, 61, might be selling firearms in violation of federal law. An investigation was initiated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in January of 2011 and, subsequently, an arrest warrant was obtained for Mullendore and a federal search warrant was issued. More »
Hogsett Announces Indianapolis Man Convicted of Lawrenceburg Robbery, Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison
July 6, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS – United States Attorney Joseph H. Hogsett today announced the recent sentencing of John Baxter, 33, Indianapolis, to 300 months (25 years) in federal prison following his pleas of guilty to robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.More »
Federal, State and Local Officials Confiscate More Than 5,000 Pounds of Illegal Fireworks
June 30, 2011
Acting on a tip, the Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM), the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the Toledo Police Department, Toledo Fire Investigation Unit confiscated more than 5,000 pounds of homemade and consumer fireworks. The explosives were stored in violation of the Ohio Revised and Fire Codes on residential property at 1576 Claybourne Drive in Toledo.More »
Hogsett Announces Sentencing of Individual to 15 Years in Prison for Role in Armed Robbery Crew
June 27, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS — Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today that U.S. District Judge William T. Lawrence sentenced German Rivera–Ruiz, 34, to serve 15 years in federal prison following his plea of guilty to interfering with interstate commerce by robbery and using a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.More »
ATF Offers $2,000 Reward
June 20, 2011
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for an illegal explosive device found on a police officer’s personal vehicle in the parking lot of the Northfield Police Department, 10455 Northfield Road. The officer discovered the explosive device on his personal vehicle on May 20.More »
Federal, State and Local Officials Announce Kickoff of 2011 V-GRIP Effort
June 14, 2011
Seven people were arrested and an assault rifle was seized during the first weekend of this year’s V–GRIP program, federal, state and local law enforcement officials announced today. This program is the cornerstone of my office’s efforts to make the Mahoning Valley safer,
said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. V–GRIP is a prime example of what happens when agencies and departments combine their resources and work together. We will build off the success we had last summer and work to take illegal firearms off the streets.
More »
Indianapolis Man Indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
May 19, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS — Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today even more results from the United States Attorney’s Office’s 2011 Violent Crime Initiative to target violent, repeat offenders. Specifically, Lovoyne Drain a/k/a Lavyne Lacy, 31, of Indianapolis, was charged today with three counts of unlawful possession of firearms or ammunition by a convicted felon, following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.More »
Hogsett’s Violent Crime Initiative Results in an Indictment on Serious Weapons and Drug Offenses Occurring in Anderson
May 12, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS — Joseph H. Hogsett, United State Attorney, announced today that Charles T. Black, Jr., 36, originally from Evansville, Indiana, was charged today with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute marijuana following a joint Federal–State investigation by the Anderson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives.More »
Indictment Returned in Hammond Federal Court
April 14, 2011
John Smith, 41, of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Terry Carlyle, 54, of Mooresville, Indiana, were each charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, two counts of attempting to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, and two counts of possessing firearms in furtherance of a federal drug trafficking crime. In addition, Smith was charged by indictment with one count of transferring firearms knowing that they would be used in a drug trafficking crime, and a third count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a federal drug trafficking crime.More »
Gun Shop Owner Arrested, Thousands of Firearms Seized Following Federal Investigation
April 12, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS – Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today that Charles F. Ludington, 61, Parker City, Ind., was charged with violating numerous federal firearms laws following a thorough three month investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).More »
U.S. Attorney’s Violent Crime Initiative Posts More Results
March 30, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS — Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today that Michael A. Cook, 29, Indianapolis, was sentenced to 15 years (180 months) in federal prison late yesterday by U.S. District Judge William T. Lawrence following his guilty plea to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF
), the ATF Achilles Task Force, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD
) into an incident on the east side of Indianapolis in February of 2010.More »
Two Evansville Area Men Face Firearms Charges
March 29, 2011
Evansville, Ind. – Nicholas G. Hermann, Prosecuting Attorney 1st Judicial District, Eric Williams, Sheriff Vanderburgh County and Robert J. Browning, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (ATF) announced the Monday indictment of Farshad Ghiassi and Chad E. Gamblin for firearms violations and other criminal violations. The charges are the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office and ATF.More »
Hogsett Announces Joint Initiative to Combat Violent Crime
March 24, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS — In an effort to keep Hoosier neighborhoods safer, United States Attorney Joseph H. Hogsett announced today a new initiative to attack violent crime, crack down on illegal guns and prosecute the most violent criminals in Marion County and throughout the southern district of Indiana. For too many young people in this city, it's easier to get a gun than it is an education. That is unacceptable,
Hogsett said.More »
Racketeering Indictment Filed in Federal Court Against Members and Associates of Youngstown Street Gang LSP
March 18, 2011
A 42-count federal indictment was filed charging 23 people with conspiracy to commit racketeering (RICO) and other crimes for their roles as members or affiliates of the Youngstown street gang LSP, which used violence, including attempted murder, to control territory and sell heroin, cocaine and other drugs, Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Robert Browning, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, announced today.More »
A New Team is Sniffing Out Clues
March 11, 2011
Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal Office (SFM) has added a new investigator capable of sniffing out clues at fire scenes. India is an accelerant detection canine and recent graduate of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Accelerant Detection Canine Handler Course. India trained for six weeks, along with her handler State Fire Marshal investigator John Weber, at ATF’s canine training facility in Front Royal, Va. During their training, the handler and canine learned to work as a team to investigate fire scenes.More »
Logan County Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Machine Guns
March 1, 2011
COLUMBUS – A federal grand jury here has indicted Todd Allen Lamb, 37, of Bellefontaine, accusing him of illegally possessing five machine guns. He is also charged with making false statements on paperwork filed with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). More »
Hogsett Warns Criminals of Aggressive Federal Focus on Drug and Gun-Related Crime
February 24, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS — United States Attorney Joseph H. Hogsett today warned those who traffic in illegal narcotics and guns that he has instructed his staff to attain historic levels of aggressiveness
in prosecuting violent crime. Violent crime is our priority. We will diminish its effects. We will pursue it wherever it raises its ugly head. We will do everything within our power to protect neighborhoods and Hoosier communities. More »
Federal Jury Finds Man Guilty of Setting Fire that Killed 9 People in Cleveland, Ohio
February 14, 2011
A federal jury found Antun Lewis guilty of setting the May 2005 fire that killed 9 people in Cleveland, Ohio, United States Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach announced today. Lewis, 37, of Cleveland, is scheduled to be sentenced May 10, 2011. He was convicted of one count of arson in U.S. District Court in Cleveland. More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Indianapolis Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Special Agent Dudley Salmon and K-9 Molly, one of 25 K9 teams, are here to provide security for Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6. More »
New Leader for the ATF Columbus Field Division
January 14, 2011
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Robert J. Browning has been named the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Columbus Field Division. Browning is a veteran ATF agent with over 23 years of experience, most recently serving as Deputy Director of the Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC) in Quantico, Va. a multi-agency organization responsible for analyzing improvised explosive device (IED) evidence, primarily from Iraq and Afghanistan.More »
Mexican National Sentenced For Illegal Re-Entry After Deportation and Armed Robbery
January 6, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS — Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today that Hector Tadeo-Martinez of Mexico, was sentenced to 111 months in prison today by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt following his guilty plea to one count of being an illegal re-entry into the United States after deportation and one count of brandishing a firearm in connection with a crime of violence. This case was the result of a six-month investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations. More »
Man Receives 18-Year Sentence for Conspiring to Rob Drug Dealers
January 5, 2011
DAYTON — Elmo Bailey, 38, of Cincinnati was sentenced in United States District Court here to 18 years in prison for conspiring to rob a Warren County drug dealer in 2009. Bailey is the third and final defendant sentenced in connection with the planned robbery. More »
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 27 Years for Armed Robberies of Local Businesses
December 22, 2010
INDIANAPOLIS — Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today that Justin Smith, 28, Indianapolis, was sentenced to 27 years in prison today by U.S. District Judge William T. Lawrence. This followed Smith's guilty pleas to robbery and brandishing a firearm in connection with a crime the robbery. This case was the result of a one-year investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.More »
Man Receives 12-Year Sentence for Possession of Guns, Pipe Bomb Components, Making a False Passport Application and Aggravated Identity Theft
December 22, 2010
COLUMBUS — Abdullah M. Muslim, aka Johnnie P. Clagg, 38, of Columbus was sentenced in United States District Court here to a total of 144 months incarceration for illegally possessing firearms after having previously been convicted of three violent felonies, for possessing unregistered component parts to make pipe bombs, for making a false passport application, and aggravated identity theft.More »
Arrests Made on Federal Gun and Drug Charges in Round-Up by Violent Crime Impact Team
December 14, 2010
COLUMBUS — Teams of federal, state and local law enforcement officers today began arresting people charged in multiple separate federal indictments alleging that they committeed violent crimes while trafficking marijuana, cocaine and heroin, and illegally possessed or used fireamrs. The charges are the result of an ongoing joint investigation conducted by Columbus Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacoo, Firearms and Explosvies (ATF). The investigation is known as Operation MTV Network because it centers around the Mount Vernon Avenue area.More »
Last Defendant Sentenced in Evansville/Chicago Drug and Firearms Trafficking Indictment
December 14, 2010
INDIANAPOLIS — Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced the sentencing today of the last defendant in a federal crack cocaine and firearms trafficking conspiracy in United States District Court in Evansville. Charles Avery, the last of 20 persons charged in several related indictments to be sentenced, received a sentence of 21 years and 8 months in prison yesterday from Chief Judge Richard Young. This brings to a close the investigation and prosecution of group responsible for the trafficking of cocaine base and firearms between Chicago and Evansville. In addition to drug and gun trafficking, the activities of the conspiracy included various incidents of armed violence in Evansville in furtherance of the conspiracy’s objectives. Several of the defendants, including co nspiracy leader Jesse Young, were members of the Black P Stones
Chicago based criminal street gang.More »
Morrow County Couple Charged with Growing More than 1,000 Marijuana Plants, Discharging Firearm
December 3, 2010
COLUMBUS — A federal grand jury today charged Shane Roush, 38, and his wife Corrina Roush, 39, with growing more than 1,000 marijuana plants at their rural Fredericktown home. Shane Roush was also charged with discharging a firearm in relation to a drug-trafficking crime.More »
Fugitive Sentenced for Possession of Methamphetamine and for Failure to Appear for Trial
November 10, 2010
INDIANAPOLIS - James Richard Lake, 61, of Houston, Tex., was sentenced to 135 months in prison late yesterday by U.S. District Chief Judge Richard L. Young, following his guilty plea to possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and failure to appear for trial, announced Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. The case was the result of a investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Indiana State Police.(a)(1)(A). More »
Greenwood Business Man Charged with Solicitation to Commit Arson
November 19, 2010
INDIANAPOLIS - Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today that on
November 18, 2010, Daniel Annee, 46, of Greenwood, Ind., was charged in U.S. District Court
with solicitation to commit arson. The charge follows an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF
), and the joint Indianapolis Metropolitan Police
Department / Indianapolis Fire Department, Fire Investigations Section. More »
Downtown Mount Vernon Fire
October 29, 2010
The National Response Team (NRT) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), ATF Columbus Field Division, Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal, and Mount Vernon Fire and Police Department investigators have completed the on-scene investigation into the cause of the Oct. 25th fire at 201 S. Main Street, Mt. Vernon. More »
ATF National Response Team Activated to Investigate Mount Vernon Fire
October 26, 2010
The National Response Team (NRT) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with agents from the ATF Columbus Field Division have been activated at the request of the Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal to investigate the Oct. 25 fire at 201 S. Main Street, Mt. Vernon. The NRT will arrive Wednesday to conduct an assessment of the fire scene and formulate an investigative plan with state and local investigators. More »
ATF Offers $5,000 Reward in Arson Attack on Policeman’s Residence
October 8, 2010
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the Sept. 20th arson fire of an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Officer’s home located on Chateaugay Drive. More »
Firearms Industry Matches ATF Reward in Bedford Heights Firearms Theft
October 7, 2010
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) announced a $2,500 reward to match the ATF $2,500 reward offering for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the theft of firearms from Atlantic Gun and Tackle, Bedford Heights, Ohio. More »
ATF Offers Reward in Gun Shop Burglary
October 5, 2010
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons(s) responsible for the theft of firearms from Atlantic Gun and Tackle, 5425 Northfield Road, Bedford Heights, Ohio. More »
V.G.R.I.P. Indictments
September 29, 2010
In separate cases, Jamal Wingo, 29, of Youngstown, Ohio, and Bearnest R. Bogany, 30, of Warren, Ohio, were indicted on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and ammunition, Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, announced today. More »
Three Charged With Crimes Stemming From Theft of 58 Guns From Great Lakes Outdoor Supply
September 21, 2010
A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment charging Dwayne Freeman, Edward E. Brown and Isabel Abdur-Razzaque with conspiracy, theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee, being a felon in possession of firearms, and possession of stolen firearms, Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Chris Sadowski, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Columbus Field Division, announced today. More »
Official Cause of Downtown Delaware Fire Announced
September 20, 2010
The National Response Team (NRT) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), ATF Columbus Field Division, Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal, and Delaware Fire and Police Department investigators have completed the on-scene investigation into the cause of the Sept. 11 blaze on N. Sandusky Street. More »
ATF and Indianapolis Police, Fire Departments Team Up
September 15, 2010
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Department of Public Safety’s divisions Indianapolis Fire Investigations Section (IFIS) and Indianapolis Police (IMPD) have formed a task force focused on investigating fire and explosive incidents. More »
ATF National Response Team Activated to Investigate Downtown Delaware Fire
September 14, 2010
The National Response Team (NRT) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with agents from the ATF Columbus Field Division have been activated by request from the Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal to investigate a fire involving multiple structures in downtown Delaware on N. Sandusky St. More »
Evansville Man Sentenced for Arson and Conspiracy to Commit Arson
August 19, 2010
Travis C. Adams, 28, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to 18 months in a community corrections work release facility and 3 years of supervised release late yesterday by U.S. District Chief Judge Richard L. Young following his guilty plea to arson fraud and conspiracy to commit arson. More »
Ravenna Man Arrested by ATF Task Force
August 17, 2010
Frank Mosier (age 24) was arrested Monday and charged with violating federal firearms laws. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agents and Ravenna Police Detectives assigned to the ATF Task Force arrested Mosier without incident in Ravenna. The criminal complaint filed in United States District Court charges Mosier as a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm in violation of federal law. More »
Greenwood Businessman Charged in Arson-for-Hire Scheme
August 16, 2010
Daniel Annee, 46, Greenwood, Ind., was arrested and charged last Friday in a federal criminal complaint with solicitation to commit arson. Annee’s arrest follows an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Indianapolis Fire Investigations Section, which is comprised of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Detectives and Indianapolis Fire Department Investigators. More »
Activity in Federal Court - Fort Wayne
August 5, 2010
Fort Wayne, IN — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following activity in federal court… More »
Chandler Man Sentenced for Mail Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Arson
July 29, 2010
Christopher D. Kimbrough, 37, of Chandler, Ind., was sentenced to 18 months in a community corrections work release facility yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young, following his guilty plea to mail fraud and conspiracy to commit arson. This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Evansville Fire Department. More »
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 18 Years as Armed Career Criminal for Possession of Firearm
July 1, 2010
Steven L. Hunter, 53, Indianapolis, was sentenced to 18 years (216 months) in prison late yesterday by U.S. District Judge William T. Lawrence. Hunter was convicted at trial March 24, 2010, of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, as a result of an investigation by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (“IMPD”) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. More »
Six Members of the Latin Kings Street Gang Indicted for Racketeering Conspiracy
June 29, 2010
The United States Attorney’s Office, and the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice today announced the indictment of six individuals, alleged members of the Latin Kings, in a racketeering conspiracy. More »
Three Indictments Announced Charging 14 With Conspiracy, Gun Crimes and Drug Trafficking Near the “Tot Lot” Playground in Cincinnati’s West End
June 22, 2010
Teams of federal, state and local law enforcement agents today began arresting 14 people accused in three federal indictments charging them with conspiracy, trafficking cocaine and crack cocaine within 1000 feet of a child’s playground, and illegal firearms sales. More »
Joint Investigation Yields Federal and State Indictments on Weapons and Drug Charges Against Tot Lot Posse Gang Members
June 22, 2010
Federal, state and local law enforcement officials today announced the results of an 18-month joint investigation of criminal activity involving a gang known as the Tot Lot Posse in Cincinnati’s West End community. Over twenty individuals have been named in federal and state indictments and arrest warrants for drug and weapons offenses, and teams of law enforcement authorities have spent the day taking these individuals into custody. More »
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 32 Years for Local Business Robberies
April 14, 2010
Brandon Banks, 25, Indianapolis, was sentenced to 32 years in prison today by U.S. District Judge Larry J. McKinney following his guilty plea to two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. This case was the result of a lengthy investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD). More »
Three Arrested on Federal Explosives Charges
April 13, 2010
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Cincinnati Office Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Keith Bennett; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Columbus Field Division SAC Christopher Sadowski; FBI Louisville Office SAC Elizabeth Fries and ATF Louisville SAC Paul Vido announce that on April 13, 2010 FBI and ATF agents arrested three individuals on federal charges that they illegally possessed and delivered explosives. More »
Zanesville Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Illegal Firearms
April 5, 2010
Terry Thompson, 61, of Zanesville, pleaded guilty in United States District Court here today to possessing eight illegal firearms, including five fully automatic firearms and three short-barreled firearms without serial numbers. More »
Last Member of Darke County Trio Sentenced in Heroin Trafficking Conspiracy
March 25, 2010
Patrick Antwan Matthews, 25, of Dayton was sentenced in United States District Court here today to 60 months in federal prison on one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, to be served consecutive to a sentence of one-year and one day on a single count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, after pleading guilty on November 10, 2009 to the charges. More »
State Fire Marshal and ATF Seeks Assistance in Stark County Church Arson Investigation
March 18, 2010
Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Division of State Fire Marshal today issued a request for the public’s assistance in an ongoing arson investigation in Stark County. The Division of State Fire Marshal, through the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee, is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for last Saturday’s church fire in Alliance. More »
Indianapolis Man Sentenced for Armed Robbery
March 12, 2010
Jaitee Jackson, 28, Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 154 months in prison yesterday by U.S. District Judge William T. Lawrence following his guilty plea to a Hobbs Act robbery, using a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. More »
ATF, Berea Police Offer $5,000 Reward
January 8, 2010
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) issued a $2,500 reward and Berea Police have issued an additional $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for shooting at moving vehicles in and around the Prospect Road area. More »
Life Sentence For Leader of Heroin Trafficking Organization
January 6, 2010
Ronald Kelsor, 55, of Columbus was sentenced in United States District Court jury here today to life in prison for leading a heroin trafficking organization that operated throughout central and southern Ohio from 2004 until his arrest in April, 2008. More »