Cincinnati Man Sentenced To 199 Months In Prison For Carjacking, Illegal Use And Possession Of A Firearm

CINCINNATI – Bennie Overton, 34, of Cincinnati was sentenced in U.S .District Court to 115 months in prison for carjacking and illegal possession of a handgun and an additional 84 months for using a firearm in a crime of violence for a total sentence of 199 months.

Carter M. Stewart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Stephanie R. Shoemaker, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Cincinnati Police Chief James Craig and Silverton Police Chief Bruce M. Molett announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett.

According to court documents, Overton approached a man in a parked car on April 29, 2012 and distracted the man by asking to borrow the car’s cigarette lighter. While the man’s head was turned, Overton pulled a firearm, placed it next to the victim’s head and forced the victim to move over into the passenger seat. The victim jumped out of the car and Overton sped away.

On May 4, 2012, Cincinnati Police found Overton passed out in the victim’s car. A firearm was found on the seat between Overton’s legs. A search of Overton’s apartment recovered a large quantity of ammunition, two revolvers, a loaded assault rifle, a shotgun and another long rifle. Overton had prior convictions as a felon and under federal law, felons are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.

Overton pleaded guilty on August 13, 2012 to being a felon in possession. Two days later, a  jury convicted Overton on the other two counts. He has been in custody since he was convicted.

“Overton, a convicted felon, knew that he was prohibited from possessing firearms and/or ammunition yet did so anyway, showing a blatant disregard for the law,” Cincinnati Branch Chief Anthony Springer wrote in a sentencing memorandum filed with the court.

U.S. Attorney Stewart commended the cooperative investigation by the ATF, CPD and Silverton Police, as well as Cincinnati Branch Chief Springer and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Deering with Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters’ office who represented the United States in the case.