Akron man previously convicted of domestic violence indicted for allegedly having methamphetamine and a gun

An Akron man was indicted on firearms and methamphetamine charges.

Tionte L. Blanchard, 23, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm with a domestic violence conviction and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Blanchard possessed at least 50 grams of methamphetamine on July 12, as well as a Glock pistol. Blanchard was prohibited from having the pistol because of a previous misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence in 2017, according to the indictment.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

The FBI and Akron Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Joyce is prosecuting the case.

 An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.