Buckeye Reporter

Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA) has called for the Sylvania Prosecutor’s Office in Ohio to drop charges against Vontae Garrett, a U.S. Army veteran and former special-deputy sheriff. The organization claims that the prosecution violates state law and the civil rights of lawful gun owners.

“This is the single most outrageous prosecution our organization has witnessed in more than 20 years,” said Dean Rieck, BFA's executive director. “The chilling effect for gun owners is obvious. If Mr. Garrett can be stripped of his constitutional rights on the whim of a sheriff or prosecutor, then so can any other lawful gun owner in Ohio.”

Garrett was arrested during a traffic stop by a Lucas County Sheriff's deputy and charged with felony improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle. According to court documents, prosecutors argue that Garrett’s Indiana concealed carry license is not valid in Ohio due to lack of reciprocity between the two states.

However, BFA points out that Ohio recognizes concealed handgun licenses from all other states since March 23, 2015. This policy is detailed on the Ohio Attorney General’s website: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Law-Enforcement/Concealed-Carry/Concealed-Carry-Reciprocity-Agreements

Additionally, Indiana does not require a permit for carrying handguns as of July 1, 2022, making licensing requirements moot for Indiana residents: https://www.indy.gov/activity/permitless-carry

BFA argues these legal points are ultimately irrelevant because Ohio allows constitutional carry for anyone who is not otherwise disqualified—regardless of residency or licensing status.

The group says there is no evidence Garrett was prohibited from possessing or carrying a handgun and thus no basis for his arrest or prosecution.

Despite this information, both the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office and Sylvania Prosecutor’s Office have declined to dismiss charges against Garrett.

Court filings reveal that prosecutors contend even individuals with valid concealed handgun licenses may be arrested and charged simply for having a loaded firearm in their car. Under this interpretation, people may face arrest and criminal charges despite lawful possession; pretrial bond conditions prohibiting firearm ownership while cases are pending; and no opportunity to dismiss charges or demonstrate lawful conduct unless an indictment occurs at common pleas court.

“Buckeye Firearms Association is outraged at the willfully illegal conduct of both the Lucas County Sheriff's Office and the Sylvania prosecutors,” Rieck said. “We urge Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and the Ohio General Assembly to intervene, uphold well-established Ohio law, and protect the Second Amendment rights of all gun owners.”