Columbus man sentenced to more than 6 years in prison for firearms crimes

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jamie L. Pannell, 43, of Columbus, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 78 months in prison for firearms crimes.

According to court documents, on multiple dates in April and May 2023, Pannell sold multiple firearms - some including auto-conversion devices - to an undercover agent. An auto-conversion device turns a firearm into a fully automatic weapon, allowing the entire magazine of bullets to be released in seconds with one pull of the trigger.

Pannell discussed switch devices with the undercover agent, noting the differences between metal and plastic switches, and promising he could deliver on the sale of switches in future transactions. The defendant then sold the agent additional firearms, two of which had switches.

In total, Pannell sold eight firearms as part of the controlled law enforcement transactions.

As a previously convicted felon, Pannell is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. His past convictions also include violent crimes against women.

Pannell was charged federally in June 2023 and pleaded guilty in April 2024 to illegally possessing firearms as a felon and possessing machineguns.

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth A. Geraghty is representing the United States in this case.

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