Akron man indicted for drugs, firearms and assaulting law enforcement officers

An Akron man was indicted for illegally having drugs and firearms, and assaulting law enforcement officers, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja.

Alphonse K. Colbert, 29, was indicted on two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of being a felon on possession of a firearm, one count of using firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and one count of assault on law enforcement officers.

Destiny R. Clay, 18, of Akron, was indicted on one count each of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Colbert and Clay were found on March 9 to have approximately 60 grams of methamphetamine. Colbert also had heroin and a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber pistol and ammunition, despite a prior conviction in Summit County Common Pleas Court for felonious assault, according to the indictment.

On April 19, Colbert was found to be in possession of 142 grams of methamphetamine, as well as two Smith and Wesson .40-caliber pistols, a Smith and Wesson 9 mm handgun, a Romarm Cugir 7.62-caliber rifle, a Fabrique National 9 mm pistol and ammunition, according to the indictment.

Colbert also assaulted two Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers on April 19, according to the indictment.

Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit the six firearms and ammunition, as well as $5,680 in cash seized during the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Riley following an investigation by the Akron Police Department and the Akron/Summit County HIDTA Initiative, which includes DEA, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Summit County Prosecutor’s Office and the police departments of Akron, Copley, Springfield, Tallmadge, Stow, the University of Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Reminderville, Silver Lake, New Franklin and Barberton.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences 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.

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.