MESSAGE FROM PROSECUTOR SHERRI BEVAN WALSH

Contact:  April Wiesner

(330) 643-8386

“Tax” Man Guilty of Assault and Gun Charges

(October 14, 2011… Akron) … Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh announced today that a jury found Immanuel Jones, 21, of Crestwood Avenue in Akron, guilty of Felonious Assault, a second-degree felony with a firearm specification, and Having Weapons While Under Disability, a third-degree felony.

After the victim repaid an old debt and informed Jones that he would no longer be purchasing crack from him, Jones warned the victim that he owed a “tax” for every day his repayment had been late. Jones threatened and harassed the victim and tried to collect a “tax” every time he spotted him on the street.

On June 10, Jones approached the victim near the Salvation Army on Hall Street in Akron. Jones held a gun to the victim’s head and demanded the money owed him. Although Jones was wearing a knit hat and a bandana over his face, the victim recognized him by his voice and was also able to see his face when the bandana slipped during the confrontation. When Jones realized he wouldn’t be getting any money, he shot the victim just above his left knee, shattering his leg, and ran off.

The victim immediately called police, who found Jones’ hat with DNA on it. They later found Jones at his mother’s house.

Judge Lynne Callahan will sentence Jones on November 22.

-30-