Columbus Field Division
Welcome to the ATF Columbus Field Division. The Columbus Field Division serves the third largest population base of any of the 25 ATF field divisions in the country, encompassing Ohio and Indiana (with the exception of eight Southern Indiana counties). The division office is located in Columbus, Ohio; criminal enforcement field offices and industry operations area offices are located in cities throughout Ohio and Indiana.
Criminal enforcement offices are staffed by special agents and industry operations area offices are staffed by industry operations investigators (IOI), both are supported by administrative personnel. Division resources include ATF explosives detection canines and their special agent handlers; special agent certified fire investigators (CFI), experts in fire investigation and cause and origin; special agent certified explosives specialists; explosives enforcement officers; division counsel; and forensic auditors.
Special agents initiate firearms investigations to combat firearms-related violence, firearms trafficking, armed drug trafficking, and gang violence. Special agents investigate explosives and arson incidents, thefts of explosives, and enforce laws designed to prevent illegal diversion schemes involving alcohol and tobacco products. Strong partnerships with state and local law enforcement agencies include state and local officers who are assigned to some ATF field offices’ task force initiatives, which are designed to combat violent crime.
IOIs review the operations and premises of federal firearms and explosives licensees who are regulated by ATF such as dealers, importers, exporters, and manufacturers. This includes enforcement of the Safe Explosives Act of 2002, which mandates a field inspection on all original and renewable applications pertaining to explosives.
We encourage all members of the community to help us in reducing violent crime in their communities. Call ATF at (614) 827-8400 or email us at ColumbusDiv@atf.gov and let us know what we can do for you.
Robert J. Browning
Division Management Team
- Robert J. Browning
- Special Agent In Charge (SAC)
- Brandt A. Schenken
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Wayne L. Dixie, Jr.
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Marcia Lambert
- Director of Industry Operations (DIO)
- David Coulson
- Public Information Officer (PIO)
Division Contact Information
Receive Columbus Press Release Updates
ATF Offers Reward in Gun Shop Burglary
September 11, 2012
HUDSON, Ind. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Steuben County Sheriff's Department, announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the theft of firearms from The Angler Bait and Tackle, 7430 South State Road 327, Hudson, Ind., yesterday.More »
Hogsett Announces 262 Month Sentence for Local Man as Part of Violent Crime Initiative
September 7, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS – Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced today that Aaron Robbins, age 31, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 262 months (21 years, 10 months) in federal prison after being found guilty of federal drug and gun charges that include the illegal possession of a firearm and the use of a firearm in drug trafficking.More »
Evansville-Area Man Charged with Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon
August 31, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS – Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today that Anthony R. Elliott, 43, of Evansville, has been charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm as part of the U.S. Attorney's Violent Crime Initiative.More »
Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Gun Theft Crimes
August 30, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS – Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced today that William "Ricky" Harris, age 34, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 72 months (6 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker.More »
ATF Fugitive Being Sought
August 20, 2012
Akron, Ohio – Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Akron Police Department are seeking the public's assistance in locating a violent fugitive who is wanted for various federal gun and drug violations.More »
Arrest in Valley Sterling Trucks Fire
August 15, 2012
Brook Park, Ohio – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with the Brook Park Police Department, the Brook Park Fire Department, and the Ohio State Fire Marshal's Office today announced the arrest of the individual responsible for the Aug. 6, arson fire which destroyed Valley Sterling Trucks located at 4985 West 150th St., Brook Park, Ohio.More »
Chicago Police Officer and Three Members of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation Plead Guilty to a Racketeering Comspiracy and Other Related Charges
August 2, 2012
WASHINGTON – A Chicago police officer and three members of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy and other related charges in a superseding indictment involving alleged members or associates of the Latin Kings, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department's Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney David Capp of the Northern District of Indiana.More »
Hammond Man Sentenced to Fourteen Years Imprisonment
July 27, 2012
Hammond, Indiana – The United States Attorney's Office announced the following activity in Federal Court:More »
Elkhart Man Sentenced in Firerams Case
July 27, 2012
South Bend, Indiana – The United States Attorney's Office announced that:More »
South Bend Man Sentenced to Over 10 Years for Firearm and drug Trafficking Offenses
July 20, 2012
Thurston LQ Jackson, 32, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Jon DeGuilio to 124 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of distribution of crack cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, sale of a firearm to a convicted felon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.More »
Hogsett Announces 20 year Sentence for Washington-Area Methamphetamine Dealer
July 18, 2012
IINDIANAPOLIS– Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced today that Mario Rodas, a/k/a Ruben Echavarria, age 31, of Washington, has been sentenced to 240 months (20 years) in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jane E. Magnus-Stinson.More »
U.S. Attorney's Violent Crime Initiative Produces More Marion County Results
July 18, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS– Announced by United States Attorney Joseph H. Hogsett in March of 2011, the VCI represents a district-wide strategy to work with local law enforcement and county prosecutors to combat drug traffickers and criminals that use and carry firearms in their illegal activities.More »
Elkhart Man Sentenced in Drug Trafficking Crime
June 29, 2012
South Bend, Indiana — The United States Attorney's Office announced that:More »
Drug Trafficking Crime Nets 15 Years Imprisonment
June 29, 2012
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney's Office announced the following:More »
Four Youngstown Men Convicted of Racketeering for their Roles in LSP Street Gang, Which Used Violence to Control Drug Turf
June 28, 2012
Four Youngstown men were convicted of conspiracy to commit racketeering (RICO) for their roles as members or affiliates of the street gang LSP, which used violence, including attempted murder, to control territory and sell heroin, cocaine and other drugs, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Robert Browning, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.More »
Hamilton Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearms
June 28, 2012
CINCINNATI — A federal grand jury here has indicted Fabinn Woodson, 34, of Hamilton of illegally possessing a firearm because he has multiple prior felony convictions. If convicted, he faces at least 15 years and up to life in prison.More »
U.S. Attorney Announces Federal Charges Tied To Shooting OF IMPD Officer David Moore
June 21, 2012
Indianapolis, Indiana – Today, Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announces that Eric “Boo” Jenkins, age 53, of Indianapolis, has been charged by federal indictment with three counts of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and with one count of having conspired to provide firearms to a convicted felon. More »
Hammond Man Sentenced to 12 Years in ATF Case
June 15, 2012
Hammond, Indiana – The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following: More »
ATF Offers Reward in Gun Shop Burglary
June 8, 2012
VANDALIA, Ohio – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Vandalia Police Department, today announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons(s) responsible for the theft of firearms from Vandalia Range and Armory, 100 Corporate Center Drive, Vandalia, Ohio, on May 4. More »
Hammond Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison
June 1, 2012
Dwayne Swims, 49, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced on 5/21/12 by Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 180 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offenses of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and distribution of crack cocaine. More »
West Carrollton Drug Dealer Receives Ten–Year Sentence
May 29, 2012
DAYTON — Charles Moore, 41, West Carrollton was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to ten years in federal prison, and was ordered to be under court supervision for the rest of his life, for buying bulk quantities of crack cocaine and heroin and selling it to drug addicts in Montgomery County and the surrounding area.More »
ATF Offers $5,000 Reward
May 22, 2012
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with the Evansville Police Department, today announced the reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the armed robberies of the Subway sandwich shop on Lincoln Avenue near the University of Evansville campus April 20 and May 11, and the Subway sandwich shop at 1400 Covert Avenue on April 25.More »
Hogsett Announces Conviction of Evansville Armed Career Criminal
May 17, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS — Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced that Ricky Dillard (a.k.a. Ricky Rolack), age 45, of Evansville, was found guilty late yesterday following a three–day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Richard Young. Dillard was convicted of four gunrelated crimes stemming from a May 2011 burglary of the Fares Loan and Pawn in Evansville.More »
Hogsett Announces Sentencing of Linton Man on Charges Relating to Goose Pond Shooting
May 11, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS — Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced today that Brandon Criss, age 28, of Linton, was sentenced today to 70 months (5 years, 10 months) in prison by U.S. District Judge William T. Lawrence following his guilty plea to charges of unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing an unregistered firearm.More »
Hogsett Announces Federal Firearm, Counterfeit Charges Against Indianapolis Man
May 4, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS — Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced today that William Ricky
Harris, age 34, of Indianapolis, has been charged with illegally possessing a dozen firearms as a convicted felon, as well as with illegally possessing counterfeit materials.More »
Three Toledo Men Charged With Violating Federal Firearms and Drug Statutes
May 3, 2012
Three Toledo men are accused of violating federal firearms and drug statutes after charges were filed this week, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Robert Browning, Special Agent in Charge, Columbus Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.More »
South Bend Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Drug Trafficking
April 27, 2012
South Bend, Indiana — United States Attorney David Capp announced that:More »
Hogsett Announces Sentence of 4 Years for Parker City Man on Federal Gun Charges
April 26, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS — Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced today that Charles F. Ludington, age 62, of Parker City, has been sentenced to 48 months (4 years) in federal prison by District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. This follows Ludington’s plea of guilty to numerous federal firearms charges relating to his ownership and management of a Parker City firearms store.More »
Middletown Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Illegal Gun Sales
April 17, 2012
CINCINNATI — Joshua A. Huiet, 27, of Middletown was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 24 months imprisonment, followed by three years of court–supervised release for illegally selling six firearms in Cincinnati on three separate occasions to individuals he knew were not allowed to possess firearms because of their criminal history.More »
Week In Reviwe – Hammond
April 13, 2012
Ralph Oliver, 24, of Chicago, Illinois, a defendant in the case US v Ross et al., was sentenced by Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 190 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to Counts 3s and 5s of a superseding Indictment charging him with the felony offenses of use of a firearm during and in relation to a federal crime of violence and conspiracy to interfere with commerce by threats or violence. Oliver was ordered to pay $16,259.32 in restitution. More »
Gun Violence Task Force Investigation Results in Charges Against Four People Accused of Illegally Selling Firearms and Ammunition
April 12, 2012
CINCINNATI – An investigation by a multi-agency task force has resulted in three indictments charging four people with illegally selling almost 50 firearms, including a machine gun, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.More »
Week in Review – Hammond
March 30, 2012
Hammond, Indiana — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following:More »
ATF Offers $5,000 Reward
March 9, 2012
Merrillville, Ind. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with the Merrillville Police Department, announce today the reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of additional person(s) responsible for the armed robbery and murder at Lucky Mart Foods, 5695 Cleveland St. in Merrillville. Jeremy Blue, 20, of Merrillville was arrested on Wednesday for this crime but his accomplices remain at large.More »
Montgomery County Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charges, Faces Up to Ten Years in Prison
March 8, 2012
CRAWFORDSVILLE — Josh Minkler, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, announced today the federal indictment of Darlington resident Raymond Troy Barnes, age 48, on charges that he illegally possessed a firearm as a convicted felon.More »
ATF Revokes Federal Firearms License
March 5, 2012
Columbus, Ohio. – Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Browning, Columbus Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), announced today the final revocation of the Federal Firearms License (FFL) of Dianne E. Penley, Westfield, Ind. More »
ATF Announces Recovery of Stolen Firearms
February 24, 2012
Columbus, Ohio – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Columbus Field Division Special Agent in Charge Robert Browning, Gary Vest, Chief, Powell Police Department, and Acting Chief Steven Gammil, Columbus Division of Police, today announce the recovery of more than 60 firearms stolen from Powder Room gun shop in Powell, OH, Feb. 8, 2012. Acting on a concerned citizen complaint, members of the Columbus Division of Police responded to the area of 299 Martha Avenue yesterday and discovered a large cache of weapons behind an abandoned apartment building. More »
Dayton Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting an Officer, Conspiracy, Drug and Tax Crimes
February 23, 2012
DAYTON – Charles D. Warren, 37, of Dayton pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to running his car into a car driven by a federal task force officer trying to arrest him for gun charges after a traffic stop in west Dayton in July 2011. Warren pleaded guilty to all seven counts of an indictment against him charging illegal possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, conspiracy to distribute marijuana, conspiracy to launder money, illegally structuring financial transactions, and interstate travel in furtherance of a drug conspiracy in addition to assaulting an officer.More »
Felon Sentenced to Over 20 Years in Prison for Firearm and Ammunition Possession
February 14, 2012
Akeem Stafford, age 25, of Elyria, Ohio, was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Robert Browning, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Columbus Field Division.More »
Illegal Gun Dealer Sentenced to 82 Months in Prison
February 9, 2012
CINCINNATI — Errick Roscoe, 22, of Cincinnati was sentenced in United States District Court to 82 months in federal prison for illegally selling firearms and possessing crack cocaine.More »
ATF Offers Reward in Gun Shop Burglary
February 9, 2012
Powell, Ohio — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons(s) responsible for the theft of firearms from Powder Room Gun Shop, 2470 East Powell Road, Powell, Ohio. The burglary occurred Wednesday in the early morning hours.More »
Hogsett Announces Ten Year Prison Term for Bloomington Resident on Gun Charges
February 1, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS — Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today that Michael Miles, age 29, of Bloomington, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker to the statutory maximum of ten years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. This prosecution follows an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from Monroe County law enforcement.More »
ATF Offers $2,500 Reward
January 31, 2012
Coventry Township, Ohio — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for placing two illegal explosive devices near the roadway on Homewood Avenue in Coventry Township on Jan. 5, and Jan. 8.More »
Hogsett Announces Indictment of Indianapolis Man on Gun Charges as a Result of Ongoing Violent Crime Initiative
January 26, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS — Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today that Mark Luzar, age 31, of Indianapolis, has been federally charged with five counts of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. This prosecution follows an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.More »
Hogsett Announces Indictment of Five Bloomington–Area Residents on Drug and Gun Charges
January 12, 2012
BLOOMINGTON — Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today the indictment of five Bloomington–area residents on federal drug and gun charges. The sixteencount indictment follows an investigation by the Bloomington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).More »