Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

An Akron man was indicted in federal court of firearms and drug charges for having a loaded handgun, methamphetamine, carfentanil and crack cocaine.

Justin Horton, 25, was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, one count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and three counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Horton possessed methamphetamine, carfentanil and crack cocaine on March 7, according to the indictment.

He also possessed a Smith & Wesson 9 mm handgun and ammunition on March 7. He was prohibited from having a firearm because of previous convictions for discharging a firearm into a habitation or school, as well as burglary, according to the indictment.

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 ATF and Ohio State Highway Patrol.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States 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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