A Cincinnati man previously charged in connection with a downtown brawl on July 26 now faces additional federal charges. Montanez Merriweather, 34, has been indicted by a federal jury for illegal possession of a firearm, according to an announcement made by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Ohio. As reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Merriweather, a convicted felon, was found in possession of a 9mm pistol on July 2, a violation of federal law.
This latest charge comes amidst Merriweather's current entanglement with the law, being held on local charges such as assault and aggravated riot. With violence clouding the city's sense of security, U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II issued a stern warning, stating via the U.S. Attorney's Office, "Those who commit violent acts can expect to be scrutinized and they will be held accountable for violations of federal criminal law."
In conjunction with the ATF's efforts to curb violent crime, Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas A. Greco emphasized the agency's commitment to a peaceful society, noting that "Violence, in any form and under any circumstance, has no place in a civilized society," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Montanez Merriweather is identified as one of the assailants in the fight that erupted downtown, stirring concerns over public safety and community well-being.
If convicted of the federal firearm charge, the penalties faced by Merriweather are significant, with potential imprisonment of up to 15 years. Currently, the defendant remains in custody on a litany of local charges, his freedom hanging in limbo until court proceedings conclude. "There is no place for violence in our communities," echoed U.S. Attorney Gerace, reinforcing a zero-tolerance message for criminal behavior. The case against Merriweather is being led by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Brucato, and while an indictment is a set of charges, it does not equate to guilt until proven in a court of law.
