PROSECUTOR RON O’BRIEN JOINS WITH FEDERAL AND CITY PROSECUTORS TO FIGHT SPIKE IN GUN VIOLENCE

Posted on 10/14/2020

Defendant:

Prosecutor Ron O’Brien announced today that federal and local authorities are working together to address the soaring gun crimes in two Columbus neighborhoods and will jointly identify dangerous offenders for federal prosecution in the Linden and Hilltop neighborhoods. Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories, some of which include a misdemeanor Domestic Violence conviction, being under a court authorized restraining order, or being a felon.  All of those crimes can be punished by up to ten years in federal prison.  It is also illegal to possess a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime or drug trafficking offense.  O’Brien announced that he has assigned Assistant County Prosecutors James Lowe and Jason Manning, who are current Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSA), to prosecute federal firearms offenses.  O’Brien has also committed Assistant County Prosecutors John Gripshover and Amy Van Culin, to be designated SAUSA’s.  “Through the collaborative efforts of many, we will aggressively prosecute these dangerous criminals,” O’Brien stated.