In Warren, convicted drug, gun criminals learn long sentences are no joke

In Warren, convicted drug, gun criminals learn long sentences are no joke

Staff report

WARREN

Several men who committed gun and drug crimes in Warren in recent months have learned the hard way that federal sentencing for career criminals is no joke.

The Oct. 9, 2013, sentencing of Darius C. Simmons, 36, of Warren to more than 15 years in prison is an example, according to Warren Police Chief Eric Merkel. The Feb. 5 sentencing of Antonio S. Smith, 32, of Warren to 15 years is another.

“It’s a way to get these people off the street,” Merkel said of a type of federal sentencing that labels someone an “armed career criminal” and gives them a sentence of at least 15 years and up to life in prison with no parole.

Simmons and Smith both got long prison terms for incidents that started out as domestic disputes but were elevated because each had a criminal history involving violence.

Police found drugs and a gun in the area where Simmons had been, and they found an ammunition clip in Smith’s pocket, according to Warren police reports.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on vindy.com.