A Cincinnati man, Montanez Merriweather, 34, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. The indictment alleges that on July 2, Merriweather was in possession of a 9mm pistol despite being prohibited from having firearms due to his prior felony conviction.
Merriweather is also facing local charges related to his alleged involvement in a brawl that took place in downtown Cincinnati on July 26. He remains in state custody with charges including assault, felonious assault, and aggravated riot.
“There is no place for violence in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Those who commit violent acts can expect to be scrutinized and they will be held accountable for violations of federal criminal law.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas A. Greco of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) stated: “Violence, in any form and under any circumstance, has no place in a civilized society. When warranted, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in close coordination with our law enforcement partners, will employ the full extent of our legal authority and resources to identify, apprehend, and remove violent offenders from our communities.”
The charge for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon carries a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
The announcement was made by Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Thomas A. Greco, Acting Special Agent in Charge at ATF; and Cincinnati Police Chief Theresa A. Theetge. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Brucato is handling the prosecution.
It is noted that an indictment contains only allegations and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
