Akron, Ohio – Federal authorities have unsealed 17 indictments charging over 30 individuals with various firearms and drug-related offenses in Akron. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, the charges stem from a large-scale, 60-day law enforcement operation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with support from multiple federal, state, and local agencies.
Another 10 individuals will face state charges in connection with the investigation. Officials confirmed that all federal arrests were carried out by the morning of the announcement, with the exception of one defendant who remains at large.
The operation concentrated on Akron’s most violent neighborhoods and resulted in the seizure of an extensive cache of illegal weapons and narcotics. Law enforcement recovered 32 pistols, one revolver, six rifles, two suppressors, and one machinegun conversion device. Authorities also confiscated significant amounts of illegal drugs, including 417.6 grams of powdered cocaine, 376 grams of crack cocaine, 94 grams of heroin, 4,663.4 grams of methamphetamine, 443.5 grams of marijuana, and 134.6 grams of fentanyl.
New Crime Gun Intelligence Center Opens in Akron
The announcement of the indictments coincided with the launch of the Akron Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC), a new facility designed to help authorities identify and apprehend violent offenders more efficiently. According to officials, the CGIC will serve as a hub for intelligence sharing and investigative support across federal, state, and local agencies. “CGICs use cutting-edge forensic science and evidence to support the investigation and prosecution of violent criminals,” authorities stated.
U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer, ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge John G. Smerglia, and Akron Police Chief Brian J. Harding jointly announced the results of the operation and the future role of the CGIC in combating gun violence in the city.
Breakdown of Federal Indictments
The indictments cover a wide range of offenses, from trafficking firearms to large-scale distribution of illegal narcotics. Each case is being handled separately, and all individuals charged are from Akron unless otherwise indicated.
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Robert Hazel, 40, of Tallmadge, is charged with Engaging in the Business of Manufacturing and Dealing Firearms without a License and Possession of Unregistered Firearms.
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Charles Klein, 49, also of Tallmadge, is charged with Distribution of Methamphetamine.
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Michael Czerpak, 45, and Jennifer Schaeffer, 37, face Conspiracy and Distribution of Methamphetamine charges.
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David Felix, 33, is charged with Distribution of Cocaine.
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Gary Robinson, 26, faces three charges: Distribution of Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Trafficking in Firearms.
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Walter Hicks, 23, is charged with Trafficking in Firearms.
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Alonzo Brewer, 22, Lily Palmer, 23, Madison Schreckengost, 23, and Diamond Taylor, 25, are all accused of making False Statements and Straw Purchases of Firearms.
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Terrance Bivens-Boyd, 19, faces multiple charges including Illegal Possession of a Machinegun and Drug Distribution.
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Additional defendants like Elijah Hawkins, Ellis Bloodworth II, Anthony Mims, Davante Neal, Larry Vaughan, Jaelyn Barnhart, Traci Howard, Devontae Simmons, Brandon Travis, Antonio Guice, Wathen Milliner, Troy Miller, Devant’tair Brown, Davone Smith, Dazzmond Lenoir-Pratt, Darren Tibbets, Jermaine Baker, Teon Brown, Jaylyn Blackmon, and Damon McKinney face various drug and weapons charges.
Sentencing and Investigative Agencies
Sentencing for those convicted will be determined by the court, which will consider the details of each case, including criminal history, role in the offenses, and other relevant factors. None of the sentences will exceed the legal maximum, and in most cases, they are expected to fall below that threshold.
The investigation was coordinated by the ATF Columbus Division’s Cleveland Field Office and involved collaboration with the Akron Police Department, Summit and Portage County Sheriff’s Offices, Barberton Police, University of Akron Police, and the Ohio Adult Parole Authority.
Officials emphasized that these cases are part of a larger strategy to reduce violence and disrupt the flow of illegal guns and narcotics in the Akron area.
