Cincinnati, Ohio – Federal agents arrested a 27-year-old Cincinnati man after authorities alleged that firearms in his possession were connected to several shootings, including a February incident in which two people were killed.
Lamont Champion was taken into custody and appeared in federal court for an initial appearance later the same day. According to federal authorities, Champion has previous felony convictions involving fentanyl and firearms and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II said investigators used crime gun intelligence while examining the firearms and their possible connections to shootings in Cincinnati.
“As alleged in the complaint, Champion possessed a firearm that had previously been used to murder two individuals in Cincinnati and himself used a second firearm to commit two other shootings,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “We continue to work with our partners at the ATF and the Cincinnati Police Department in leveraging the capabilities of the Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) to identify these crime guns and hold shooters to account.”
Ballistics allegedly connect firearms to separate shootings
According to charging documents, investigators recovered a firearm from Champion in June 2026. Ballistics testing allegedly showed that the gun matched cartridge casings recovered in connection with a February double homicide at the Villages of Roll Hill. Authorities seized the firearm.
Investigators later focused on a second firearm that Champion is accused of personally using during two separate shootings in the following months.
Federal authorities alleged that Champion shot a victim on East Clifton Avenue in July 2026.
A second incident allegedly occurred in August near the Enclave Event Center. In that case, Champion is accused of firing multiple shots at people inside a vehicle.
Analysis conducted through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, commonly known as NIBIN, indicated that the same firearm was used during both the July and August shootings, according to federal authorities.
Agents later executed a search warrant at Champion’s Cincinnati residence. During the search, they recovered two firearms, including the 9mm handgun that authorities allege was used in the July and August incidents.
Messages described in federal complaint
Investigators also searched Champion’s phone and allegedly discovered text and audio messages that federal authorities cited as part of their case.
According to the complaint, Champion referred to himself in those messages as the “reaper.” Authorities alleged that other messages included statements about his ability to shoot and kill people and claimed he discussed doing so with a smile.
One message allegedly said that “hittin a mother***er” would make him happy for an entire month.
Authorities further alleged that Champion discussed details surrounding one of the shootings in the messages found on his phone. According to the charging documents, he also mocked the way one of the victims responded after being shot.
Champion has previous felony convictions involving fentanyl and firearm offenses. Under federal law, a person previously convicted of a felony is generally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The federal offense of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
The case involves work by federal agents, the Cincinnati Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with authorities highlighting the role of the Crime Gun Intelligence Center in identifying firearms potentially connected to violent crimes.
Champion has been charged based on allegations contained in federal court documents. The allegations have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
