U.S. Attorney Gerace Reports Record Increases in Firearms and Violent Crime Prosecutions in Southern District of Ohio for FY2026

CINCINNATI – U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II revealed today the Southern District of Ohio’s fiscal year 2026 prosecution statistics, highlighting unprecedented increases in cases involving violent crime, firearms offenses, and fraud.

Since assuming office just over a year ago, Gerace has prioritized aggressive federal prosecution of violent and gun-related crimes, particularly amid a surge in such offenses in downtown Cincinnati. “I am extremely proud of what my Office has accomplished since I became U.S. Attorney just over a year ago,” Gerace stated. “My tenure began amid a significant uptick in violent and gun crimes, particularly in downtown Cincinnati, and I promised the public that we would aggressively pursue federal charges against those offenders. The statistics show that we have done just that.”

The data reveals a 250% increase in firearms prosecutions in Cincinnati compared to fiscal year 2025. Violent crime prosecutions rose by 148.5% in Cincinnati and by 92.7% across the entire Southern District of Ohio. These figures represent a record high for the district dating back to fiscal year 2004.

Overall, the total number of defendants charged with firearms offenses increased by 93.5% from the previous fiscal year. Gerace credited these results to strong collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. “None of these cases are possible without strong partnerships with our local, state and federal law enforcement agencies who investigate these crimes. I thank them for joining us in the fight against violence,” he said.

Gerace also acknowledged the support of Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson, who has provided a Special Assistant United States Attorney dedicated exclusively to federal gun cases, enhancing the district’s prosecutorial capacity.

In addition to violent crime, the Office intensified efforts against fraud, particularly schemes targeting taxpayer-funded government benefits. Gerace emphasized the importance of these prosecutions: “The fight against fraud, especially fraud against taxpayer-funded government benefits programs, is a top priority for this Office.”

During FY2026, the district charged multiple individuals involved in large-scale fraud schemes, including a $30 million Medicaid fraud and a $29.7 million Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud. These cases underscore the Office’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and safeguarding public resources.

White-collar crime prosecutions increased by 46.3% compared to FY2025, with the most significant growth observed in the Dayton and Columbus areas.

Gerace highlighted the broader scope of his Office’s work, stating, “These statistics represent just a few of the areas that our dedicated public servants focus on every day to keep the people of the Southern District of Ohio safe.” He further noted ongoing priorities including combating child exploitation, protecting homeland security, addressing the opioid crisis, enforcing immigration laws, and dismantling transnational criminal organizations.

Recent notable cases include two defendants pleading guilty as part of the “Operation Fly City” Homeland Security Task Force enforcement operation in Dayton, a Franklin County man sentenced to 300 months for attempted murder after shooting at law enforcement in Springfield, and a woman sentenced in Columbus for participating in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution network spanning California, Las Vegas, and central Ohio.

U.S. Attorney Gerace concluded, “We are proud to do our jobs in service to our communities and this great country.”

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