Federal Grand Jury Indicts Felon for Firearms Possession federal grand jury in the Southern District of Ohio indicted 40‑year‑old William Griffith on a charge of illegal firearm possession as a convicted felon, according to U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. The indictment was filed on February 20, 2026, and adds a federal layer to earlier state proceedings. Griffith now faces a potential prison term for violating federal felon‑in‑possession statutes [1].

Prior Kidnapping Conviction Bars Griffith From Guns Griffith’s 2011 kidnapping conviction legally prohibits him from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. This prior conviction triggered the federal charge because it classifies him as a prohibited person under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). The indictment therefore underscores the legal consequence of his earlier violent offense [1].

Arrest Occurred During Early‑Morning Trespass at Airport Site Airport police responded to a 4 a.m. report of trespassing in a secured terminal construction area at John Glenn Columbus International Airport on January 9, 2026. Officers detained Griffith, searched his vehicle and an adjacent trailer, and secured the scene without further incident. The arrest set the stage for the subsequent discovery of multiple firearms [1].

Search Revealed Suppressed AK‑Style Rifle and Additional Weapons Investigators uncovered a suppressed semi‑automatic AK‑style rifle, a shortened 12‑gauge shotgun, two handguns, and additional ammunition inside the trailer and Griffith’s vehicle. The weapons were seized as evidence of the felon‑in‑possession violation. The presence of a suppressor heightened the seriousness of the federal charge [1].

State Charges Preceded Federal Indictment, Highlighting Dual Prosecution Prior to the federal indictment, Franklin County Municipal Court charged Griffith with unlawful possession of a dangerous ordinance, four counts of possession of weapons under disability, breaking and entering, and criminal trespass. These state charges demonstrate that local authorities acted swiftly after the January 9 arrest. The federal case now runs concurrently, reflecting layered jurisdictional response [1].

Case Illustrates Federal Focus on Felon‑In‑Possession Enforcement Prosecutors emphasized the importance of preventing prohibited individuals from accessing firearms, especially in critical infrastructure zones like airport construction sites. The indictment signals heightened federal scrutiny of felon‑in‑possession violations nationwide. Authorities intend to use this case as a deterrent to similar offenses [1].