Press Release
Ashtabula Man Faces Firearms and Heroin Charges; Madison Woman Charged with Firearms Violations
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Ohio
A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment charging Jemel E. Thompson, 25, of Ashtabula, with firearms and drug violations and Maranda M. Rabenold, 31, of Madison, with firearms violations, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Count 1 of the indictment alleges that on or about August 8, 2014, Thompson was in possession of ammunition, after he had been previously convicted of arson in the Oakland County, Michigan, Circuit Court.
Count 2 of the indictment alleges that on or about June 16, 2014, Rabenold, aided and abetted by Thompson, made false statements to The Great Outdoors Store, North Kingsville, Ohio in connection with the purchase of a HiPoint, 9mm pistol.
Count 3 of the indictment alleges that on or about July 19, 2014, Rabenold, aided and abetted by Thompson, made false statements to LWS LJC, Inc., Jefferson, Ohio in connection with the purchase of a HiPoint JCP pistol.
Count 4 of the indictment alleges that on or about September 8, 2014, Thompson attempted to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.
Count 5 of the indictment alleges that on or about September 8, 2014, Thompson used the United States mail in facilitating an attempt to distribute heroin.
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.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ashtabula Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason M. Katz.
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.
Updated March 18, 2015
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