DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Northern District of Ohio

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Justin E. Herdman
, United States Attorney
Contact: Mike Tobin

Akron man sentenced to 20 years in prison for having methamphetamine and a firearm

An Akron man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for having a firearm and methamphetamine.
 
Robert E. Evans, 40, was previously found guilty of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
 
Evans had approximately one ounce of pure crystal methamphetamine in his home last year as well as a Colt .45 caliber pistol, despite two prior felony convictions for drug trafficking which prohibited him from possessing firearms, according to court documents.
 
“A convicted drug trafficker with a firearm and methamphetamine can only end with tragic results for our community,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “This prison sentence again demonstrates that targeted enforcement can make Akron and all of our cities in this district safer for everyone.”
 
“The targeted and cooperative work by ATF and Akron's Gun Violence Reduction Unit is making our city safer,” Akron Police Chief Kenneth Ball said. “The arrest, conviction and sentencing of Robert Evans is a positive example of this. We must protect our communities from those that deal illicit drugs and illegally carry firearms. We are thankful for a sentence that reflects this priority.”
 
“ATF’s core mission is reducing violent gun crime in our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Trevor Velinor. “We are committed to working with our partners in the Akron Police Department to follow the gun and remove the most violent criminals from our streets.”
 
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron P. Howell following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Akron Police Department’s Gun Violence Reduction Unit.
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Columbus Field Division