Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Akron Man With History of Domestic Violence Indicted for Illegally Having Five Firearms and Ammunition
An Akron man with a history of domestic violence convictions was indicted for illegally having five firearms and ammunition.
Thomas Piispanen, 31, was indicted on one count of being a prohibited person in possession of firearms.
Piispanen on February 20 possessed a Bersa 9 mm pistol, an H&K .40-caliber pistol, a Sig Sauer 9 mm pistol, an IO .762-caliber rifle, a Ruger .380-caliber pistol and ammunition. He was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of a 2007 conviction in Massillon Municipal Court for domestic violence and a 2011 conviction in Massillon Municipal Court for domestic violence.
“People who hurt their spouses or partners are not allowed to have a firearm, and we are committed to prosecuting those abusers who ignore the law,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said.
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 records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. 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 Summit County Sheriff’s Office, New Franklin Police Department and ATF. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter E. Daly.
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.
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