Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Two people from Northeast Ohio were indicted for their actions related to the straw purchase of a firearm, said Carole Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Named in the three-count indictment are Malcolm Roberson, 26, of Cleveland, and Chimere M. Turner, 32,  of Warrensville Heights.

Count 1 charges that Roberson and Turner engaged in a straw purchase of a Jimenez Arms 9 mm pistol on Feb. 20 at Taylor Firearms LLC in Vermillion when Turner said she was  the buyer of the firearms when the actual buyer of the firearm was Roberson. Count 2 charges Roberson with being a felon in possession of a firearm, of having the 9 mm pistol despite a 2011 conviction for assault. Count 3 charges Turner with making false statements following being served a subpoena.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benedict Gullo following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records (if any), the defendants’ role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

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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