Opening statements underway in stolen AR-15 case

YOUNGSTOWN — Opening statements were heard this morning in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for a man charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and receiving stolen property.

Prosecutors said Arthur Tarver, 19, had a stolen AR-15 in the bedroom of a home on 311 E. Judson Ave. that was found by city police serving a search warrant investigating drug activity in May.

Also in the bedroom was a loaded .40-caliber handgun, an extended magazine, another magazine, and a backpack with various ammunition inside, Assistant Prosecutor Joe Maxin said in his opening statement.

Police also found a scale, an elaborate security system, a white powder that was later found to be a synthetic cannabinoid and $709 cash in a safe that had to be pried open.

Tarver has a felony burglary conviction from juvenile court that bars him from having a firearm.

Judge Anthony D’Apolito is hearing the case.

In a separate case, Tarver and another man are accused of attempted murder for shooting a man in July across the street from the home where the warrant was served.