U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko | U.S. Department of Justice
The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Ohio has ended 2024 with significant achievements in prosecuting a range of federal offenses. The General Crimes Unit focuses on cases involving firearms violations, illegal drugs, violent crimes such as armed robberies and carjackings, and sexual offenses against children.
A major initiative in 2024 was the opening of a new Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) in June. Announced by Attorney General Merrick Garland and ATF Director Steven Dettelbach, alongside U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko, the center aims to reduce gun violence using advanced technology and tracing systems. "Driving down violent crime has, without a doubt, been one of our office’s top priorities," stated U.S. Attorney Lutzko.
The USAO highlighted several operations and cases from 2024:
1. **Violent Crime Reduction Operation**: A three-month initiative led to charges against 84 defendants for firearms trafficking and related offenses. The operation resulted in the seizure of over 255 firearms, including 17 "ghost guns." Of those charged federally, 60 entered guilty pleas; notable sentences included Darvell Jackson at 168 months and Cortez Buggs at 132 months.
2. **U.S. v. Conner Walker**: Walker admitted to sexually abusing a child in Northeast Ohio, filming the abuse, and distributing it online. He pled guilty to multiple charges related to child pornography and awaits sentencing.
3. **U.S. v. Shannon Matheny**: Matheny was convicted after robbing a bank with a firearm in Lorain, Ohio. Following his arrest after a police chase, he was sentenced to a total of 162 months for robbery and brandishing a firearm.
In addition to these prosecutions, the USAO conducted outreach efforts addressing community concerns about hate crimes.
To report crimes, individuals can visit https://tips.fbi.gov/home.
