Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Two Cleveland men were indicted on federal firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.

 

Deyonte Barnes, 26, and Rockie Samuel Chandler, III, 24, were both indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition.

 

Barnes possessed a Charter Arms, .38 special revolver, and ammunition and June 26.  Barnes has prior convictions for robbery and burglary that prohibit him from having firearms or ammunition, according to the indictment. 

 

Chandler possessed a Glock, .40 caliber pistol, and ammunition on June 27.  Chandler has prior convictions for aggravated robbery and drug trafficking that prohibit him from having firearms or ammunition, according to the indictment. 

 

Their cases are otherwise unrelated.

 

Both cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle K. Angeli following investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Cleveland Police Department.

 

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing 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 violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

 

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.