A federal grand jury returned a four-count superseding indictment charging Jeffery C. Howell, aka Jeffrey C. Howell, aka “J", 34, of Youngstown, Ohio, with possessing with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); possessing with intent to distribute heroin; and with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Count one of the indictment alleges that on or about Feb. 26, 2015, Howell possessed with intent to distribute less than 28 grams of crack cocaine.
Count two of the indictment alleges that on or about Feb. 26, 2015, Howell possessed with intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.
Count three of the indictment alleges that on or about Feb. 26, 2015, Howell possessed a Glock, model 30,.45 caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition, after having been convicted of Improper Handling of Firearm in Motor Vehicle (2008); Possession of Cocaine and Having Weapon while Under Disability (2011); and Failure to Comply with Order or Signal of Peace Officer (2011); all in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas, Ohio.
Count four of the indictment alleges that on or about May 29, 2015, Howell possessed a Smith and Wesson, model SM40VE,.40 caliber semi-automatic handgun and ammunition, after having been convicted of Improper Handling of Firearm in Motor Vehicle (2008); Possession of Cocaine and Having Weapon while Under Disability (2011); and Failure to Comply with Order or Signal of Peace Officer (2011); all in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas, Ohio.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Liberty Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason M. Katz.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
