Felon on supervised release pleads guilty to possessing machinegun device, drugs while causing high-speed chase

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A previously convicted felon currently on federal supervised release pleaded guilty in federal court here today to new gun and drug crimes.

Jashon Tatum, 29, of Columbus, led Columbus police officers on a high-speed chase in August 2024, striking another vehicle, before ultimately being caught with a firearm and machinegun conversion device and narcotics. He admitted in court today to possessing a machinegun, possessing ammunition as a previously convicted felon and possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances.

According to court documents, on Aug. 28, 2024, Columbus police officers used a phone ping to locate Tatum near Sullivant and South Wayne avenues as Tatum had active felony warrants. Officers observed Tatum driving a Mercedes Benz with the license plate "2BLK4U." A police helicopter was deployed.

Tatum began to drive erratically on I-71, almost causing several accidents. He exited near 11^th Avenue and struck another car. After crashing, Tatum then attempted to flee on foot, throwing things as CPD SWAT and task force officers with the ATF pursued him. He was ultimately taken into custody.

Investigators discovered a pistol with an attached machinegun conversion device, a magazine with ammunition and narcotics containing fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine base.

Tatum admitted to having fentanyl and crack cocaine but told officers he cut his fentanyl with sugar to make it less dangerous. He said he had been selling drugs to make money to pay for legal counsel in his other criminal cases.

Tatum was indicted and arrested in this case in July 2025.

Possessing a machinegun conversion device is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Possessing ammunition as a previously convicted felon carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison. The narcotics charge in this case involves a prison term of five to 40 years. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.

Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the guilty plea entered today before Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth A. Geraghty is representing the United States in this case.

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