DAYTON — The push to keep downtown safe from gunfire may now take a path through federal court.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, Dayton police said their statistics show a small percentage of people commit a big portion of violent crimes.
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Adding that repeat offenders, most of whom can’t legally carry a weapon, are more likely to commit violent crimes.
This program will make those future offenders face federal charges, taking them off Dayton streets for longer periods of time.
“A clear message, violence has no place here,” Jorge Rosendo, ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Columbus Field Division, said.
Rosendo drove home the point everyone is focusing on.
“Ensuring that Dayton remains a place where people feel safe and supported,” Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal said.
This group said their initiative, called Precious Gem, is about making sure repeat offenders face federal charges for gun crimes.
The US Marshals dealt with this ten days ago while tracking a wanted fugitive in Dayton. During that time, Terrence Gay fired shots at agents and police.
Authorities arrested Gay, who is now facing federal charges.
Another person this new operation is designed for is the man who pleaded guilty to killing Alfred Hale, a Dunbar senior, near the downtown RTA hub last year.
Julius Williamson couldn’t legally possess a gun, but police said it didn’t stop him from carrying and taking a teen’s life.
Prosecutors said the math is simple. Convictions for weapons under disability are only a three-year sentence in Common Pleas Court.
The similar charge in federal court carries a possible 15-year sentence.
“For some of these folks that are dangerous, that are repeat offenders, that are trigger-pullers, going federal is the way to go,” Dominick Greace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, said.
“We’re talking about individuals that have repeatedly been given chances and have not learned a lesson, so at some point, the consequences need to match what their actions are,” Afzal said.
This operation is for the entire city but mostly focuses on downtown Dayton.
News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.
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