Cleveland man indicted on firearms and drug charges

A Cleveland man was indicted on drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.

A four-count indictment was filed charging Michael L. Young, 34, with use of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, being a felon in possession of a firearm and being a felon in possession of ammunition.

Young on Sept. 13, 2017, possessed cocaine, a Kel-Tec .380-caliber pistol and ammunition. Young has numerous prior convictions that prohibit him from having firearms or ammunition, including convictions for felonious assault, drug trafficking, drug possession, and other crimes, according to the indictment.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly L. Galvin is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Cleveland Division of Police.

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 violation.  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.