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Federal firearms prosecutions in Cincinnati increased 250% during fiscal year 2026, while violent crime prosecutions rose 148.5%, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio. Federal prosecutors charged 63 defendants with firearms offenses and 82 with violent crimes in the city. The district also reported record combined prosecution numbers for firearms and violent crimes based on available statistics dating back to 2004.
Federal gun prosecutions increased sharply in Cincinnati during fiscal year 2026, according to newly released federal data.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio reported a 250% increase in defendants charged with firearms offenses compared with the previous fiscal year.
The office also recorded a 148.5% increase in federal violent crime prosecutions in Cincinnati, highlighting an expanded effort to target gun offenders and repeat violent criminals across the region.
The statistics were announced Monday, November 2, by U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. They cover fiscal year 2026, which ran from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.
Gerace said that he is “extremely proud” of his office’s accomplishment since he became the U.S. Attorney over a year ago.
“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…”
Cincinnati records 250% increase in federal gun prosecutions
Federal prosecutors charged 63 defendants with firearms offenses in Cincinnati during FY2026, representing a 250% increase from FY2025.
The increase was part of a broader regional trend. Across the Southern District of Ohio, prosecutors charged 236 defendants with federal firearms offenses, representing an increase of 93.4% from the previous fiscal year, according to the office’s statistical table.
The district’s announcement also described the increase as 93.5% in its accompanying statement.
Columbus recorded 96 defendants charged with firearms offenses, a 62.7% increase. Dayton reported 77 defendants, representing a 71.1% increase.
Federal firearms cases include offenses involving prohibited persons possessing guns and the use of firearms in certain crimes.
Violent crime prosecutions also rise in Cincinnati
Federal violent crime prosecutions in Cincinnati increased by 148.5% during FY2026.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reported 82 defendants charged with violent crimes in the city.
Across the Southern District of Ohio, prosecutors charged 237 defendants with violent crimes, a 92.7% increase from FY2025.
Columbus recorded 99 defendants charged with violent crimes, representing a 67.8% increase. Dayton reported 56 defendants, an 80.6% increase.
The combined number of defendants charged with firearms offenses and violent crimes across the district reached its highest level in available records dating back to fiscal year 2004, according to the DOJ.
U.S. attorney credits focus on repeat violent offenders
Gerace attributed the increase in prosecutions to his office’s efforts to target repeat violent offenders and address gun-related crimes, particularly in downtown Cincinnati.
He said he assumed the position amid an increase in violent and firearms-related crimes and promised to pursue federal charges against offenders.
“I asked my prosecutors to target repeat violent offenders and to focus on the safety of the streets in our communities and they continue to answer the bell,” Gerace said.
The U.S. attorney also credited partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies for helping investigators pursue firearms and violent crime cases.
He specifically thanked Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson for providing a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney dedicated to federal firearms cases.
Federal prosecutors expand fraud investigations
Beyond violent crime and firearms offenses, the Southern District of Ohio reported a 46.3% increase in white-collar crime prosecutions during FY2026.
Federal prosecutors charged 60 defendants with white-collar crimes across the district.
Dayton recorded the largest percentage increase at 125%, followed by Columbus at 68.4%. Cincinnati reported a smaller increase of 5.6%, with 19 defendants charged.
Gerace also highlighted two major alleged fraud schemes involving taxpayer-funded government programs.
One involved approximately $30 million in alleged Medicaid fraud, while another involved approximately $29.7 million in alleged fraud involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
He described combating fraud, particularly against government-funded benefit programs, as a priority for his office.
Federal prosecution numbers do not represent total crime rates
The latest statistics reflect the number of defendants charged in federal cases, not the total number of crimes committed in Cincinnati or across southern Ohio.
Federal prosecutions represent only a portion of criminal cases handled by law enforcement. Many offenses are investigated and prosecuted through state and local courts.
The increase in federal charges therefore does not necessarily mean overall crime increased by the same percentage.
However, the figures demonstrate a substantial expansion in federal prosecution activity targeting firearms offenses and violent crime during FY2026.
FAQs
How many firearms defendants were charged across southern Ohio?
Federal prosecutors charged 236 defendants with firearms offenses across the Southern District of Ohio. The office’s statistical table shows a 93.4% increase from the previous fiscal year.
Who is the U.S. attorney responsible for the Southern District of Ohio?
Dominick S. Gerace II serves as the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. He announced the FY2026 prosecution statistics on November 2, 2026.
Why are federal prosecutors targeting repeat violent offenders?
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said targeting repeat violent offenders is part of its strategy to address firearms offenses and violent crime. Gerace specifically highlighted concerns about violence and gun crimes in downtown Cincinnati.
Does the increase in federal prosecutions mean crime increased by 250% in Cincinnati?
No. The 250% figure measures the increase in defendants charged with federal firearms offenses, not the overall crime rate. It does not account for every crime reported to Cincinnati police or other local agencies.
