Firearms And Explosives Charges Filed Against Rootstown Man

A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Samuel Oaks, age 61, of Rootstown, Ohio, with improperly stored high explosives, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Count 1 of the indictment charges that on or about December 4, 2012, Oaks knowingly, improperly and illegally stored nine Dupont electronic detonators/blasting caps, at a Rootstown, Ohio, residence.

Counts 2 and 3 of the indictment charge that on or about December 19, 2012, Oaks possessed a FMJ, model M-11/Nine, 9mm submachine gun, which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, and which submachine gun had an obliterated serial number.

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 sentences 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Youngstown Field Office. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.

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.