Dayton, Ohio – Federal and local law enforcement officials in Dayton have announced a sweeping series of eight recent cases involving violations of federal firearms laws, highlighting what authorities describe as an aggressive and coordinated effort to crack down on violent crime and illegal weapons possession across Southern Ohio.
The cases involve multiple individuals accused of serious offenses, including illegal possession of firearms, drug trafficking tied to weapons, assaults on law enforcement, and crimes involving stolen or modified guns. Officials emphasized that these cases reflect a broader push to remove dangerous weapons from the streets and hold repeat offenders accountable.
“It’s my job as U.S. Attorney to keep our communities in Southern Ohio safe. Doing that requires strong partnerships between our local police departments and our federal law enforcement agencies. And we have those strong partnerships here in Dayton,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “We want to make it clear to criminals, if you illegally possess or use a firearm or ammunition in Dayton, or anywhere else in our district for that matter, expect to see federal charges.”
Multiple arrests and charges reveal wide scope of enforcement
Among the cases announced, JaMichael Craver was charged on March 30 with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Authorities say Craver fled on foot after being tracked by Dayton police and an aviation unit from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. After a pursuit, officers caught him and allegedly found a loaded 9mm handgun in his possession. At the time, Craver was a fugitive with multiple warrants, including charges related to drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession, and had prior convictions for aggravated robbery and kidnapping.
Another case involved Terrence Gay, who faces some of the most serious charges, including attempted murder of federal agents and assault with a deadly weapon. Investigators say Gay, a fugitive from Missouri, was located at a Dayton residence on March 23. When officers attempted to take him into custody, he allegedly opened fire on them. Officers were eventually able to secure him and recover several weapons from the scene.
Authorities also announced charges against Johnny Ray Perkins and Elisah Lobbley, who were indicted on March 10 for drug trafficking near the downtown RTA bus hub. Perkins is additionally accused of carrying a firearm during those activities, leading to further federal charges tied to weapons possession.
In a separate case, Anton Hurston was indicted after being found with a firearm equipped with a high-capacity magazine during a traffic stop in Dayton’s central business district. Rondell Coleman also faces federal charges after police responding to a domestic violence call allegedly found him carrying a stolen machinegun.
Dylan Hiner pleaded guilty on February 4 to illegally shipping and receiving ammunition while under indictment for another felony. Authorities say Hiner had discharged a handgun multiple times near the University of Dayton campus while already facing state weapons charges.
Colby Smith was indicted on January 13 for kidnapping, carjacking, and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime. Investigators allege that Smith used a handgun to rob two individuals of their vehicles and belongings as they were heading to work in December 2025.
Another major case involves Jacquan Sims, Miyauhn Vineyard, Raheem Goff, and Joshua Haggins, who were indicted for conspiring to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl while also possessing firearms in connection to drug trafficking. Authorities seized multiple weapons in that case, including a machinegun.
Officials stressed that these crimes carry serious penalties under federal law. Illegal firearm possession by a convicted felon can lead to up to 15 years in prison, while other offenses, such as using a firearm during a violent crime or drug trafficking, carry mandatory minimum sentences that can significantly increase total prison time.
The cases were announced by U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II along with Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal, ATF Special Agent in Charge Jorge Rosendo, FBI Cincinnati Division Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie, and United States Marshal Michael D. Black. Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office are handling the cases as part of a continued effort to address violent crime through strong cooperation between federal and local agencies.
