Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

A Canton man was indicted on federal drug and firearms charges, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Jack D. Wise, 39, was indicted on three counts of distribution of crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute at least 28 grams of crack cocaine, possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and possession of firearms in furtherance of trafficking of crack cocaine.

Wise was arrested on March 9 by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), members of the Canton Police Department Narcotics Unit and Stark County Sheriff’s Office.

Wise sold crack cocaine on at least three occasions in 2017. On March 9, he had 28 grams of crack cocaine, two firearms and more than 170 rounds ammunition, despite a previous conviction in Stark County Common Pleas Court for trafficking in LSD, 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 record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aaron P. Howell following an investigation by the ATF, Canton Police Department and the Stark County Sheriff’s Office.

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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