Northern District of Indiana

SOUTH BEND – Mark Murphy, Jr., 37 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Murphy was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

"For too long, methamphetamine has torn apart Indiana families, fueled violent crime, and devastated our streets. This individual chose to profit by spreading poison directly into the neighborhoods of South Bend, actively endangering our communities. Police executed a search warrant at Murphy’s residence and recovered about 439 grams of pure methamphetamine packaged in a suitcase.  Today’s ten-year sentence sends a definitive message: if you bring deadly drugs into our communities, you will face severe consequences in a federal prison.  This successful prosecution was made possible through the robust partnerships between the Elkhart Intelligence and Covert Enforcement Unit, the ATF, and the South Bend Police Department. By combining local expertise and neighborhood knowledge with federal resources and intelligence, investigators successfully cut off a dangerous pipeline of narcotics before it could cause further harm to South Bend families.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains dedicated to removing chronic offenders from the streets, disabling drug trafficking operations, and building safer, more resilient neighborhoods for everyone,” said United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Elkhart Intelligence and Covert Enforcement Unit, and the South Bend Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse. 

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

HAMMOND – Cesar Aguirre, 20 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to possession of an unregistered machinegun, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Cesar Aguirre was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on January 29, 2025, in Gary, Indiana, when police arrested Cesar Aguirre in a high school for commission of an armed robbery weeks earlier, Aguirre had in his possession a loaded semi-automatic pistol outfitted with a machinegun conversion device, which made the firearm a machinegun, that was not registered to him.   

"Bringing a fully automatic machine gun with a loaded, extended large-capacity magazine into a high school during school hours is a serious federal crime, and today's sentence shows that this dangerous conduct will not be tolerated in Northern Indiana.  Our schools must be a safe place for students to learn, educators to teach, and staff to work without the fear of gun violence. School safety remains a critical priority for this office and our law enforcement partners. We are fully committed to prosecuting anyone who compromises the security of our classrooms. We will continue to collaborate with our local, state, and federal partners to protect our children and ensure our schools remain secure learning environments," said United States Attorney Adam Mildred.

“Bringing a loaded, illegally modified firearm capable of automatic fire into a school demonstrates a reckless disregard for human life and public safety,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. “HSI and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue those who use illegal firearms to threaten our communities and ensure they are held accountable under federal law.”

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and Hobart Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael J. Toth and Dean R. Lanter.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

SOUTH BEND – Rodney McLean, 38 years old, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

McLean was sentenced to 292 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release.

“Rodney McLean will spend the next 24 years in prison after he made videos of himself having sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 16. After another person located the videos and reported them to Michigan City PD, McLean was referred to the Homeland Security Investigations division and ultimately indicted and arrested.  Child exploitation and production of child pornography cases are a parent’s worst nightmare.  These offenses have life-altering, lasting impacts on victims and their families and require severe punishment to deter others from engaging in this heinous behavior.  The United States Attorneys’ Office will use whatever resources at our disposal to aggressively prosecute these offenders and get justice for their victims.” Said U.S. Attorney Mildred.

This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Indiana State Police, Indiana State Police ICAC, the Mishawaka Police Department, and the Michigan City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew A. Krumwied and former Assistant United States Attorney Hannah T Jones. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

SOUTH BEND – Rodney McLean, 38 years old, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

McLean was sentenced to 292 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release.

“Rodney McLean will spend the next 24 years in prison after he made videos of himself having sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 16. After another person located the videos and reported them to Michigan City PD, McLean was referred to the Homeland Security Investigations division and ultimately indicted and arrested.  Child exploitation and production of child pornography cases are a parent’s worst nightmare.  These offenses have life-altering, lasting impacts on victims and their families and require severe punishment to deter others from engaging in this heinous behavior.  The United States Attorneys’ Office will use whatever resources at our disposal to aggressively prosecute these offenders and get justice for their victims.” Said U.S. Attorney Mildred.

“Protecting children from exploitation is among Homeland Security Investigations’ highest priorities,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. “This investigation reflects the determination of our special agents and law enforcement partners to uncover these offenses, safeguard victims, and hold offenders accountable. No child should endure this abuse, and HSI Chicago will continue to pursue every available lead to bring those who commit these crimes before the court.”

This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Indiana State Police, Indiana State Police ICAC, the Mishawaka Police Department, and the Michigan City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew A. Krumwied and former Assistant United States Attorney Hannah T Jones. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

HAMMOND- Jonathan X. Hall, 26 years old, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. 

Hall was sentenced to 36 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on January 26, 2026, law enforcement observed a video Hall posted on Facebook of him possessing a black and silver 9mm handgun while walking down the 5600 block of Walter Avenue in Hammond, Indiana.  Law enforcement subsequently learned Hall had a prior 2023 felony domestic battery conviction, which prohibits him from possessing a firearm or ammunition. On February 20, 2026, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle where Hall was a passenger and recovered the black and silver 9mm handgun that he earlier possessed in the video he posted. 

“Jonathan Hall was sentenced today to federal prison for knowingly possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The defendant’s actions demonstrate his disdain for civil society and make him a continual threat to the safety of our communities.  This successful prosecution was made possible by the strong working relationships and seamless collaboration between the Hammond Police Department and the Alcohol, Tabacco, and Firearms Administration. Together, these agencies remain dedicated to removing dangerous weapons from the hands of violent offenders and maintaining safe neighborhoods for all residents. This sentence sends a clear message that illegal firearm possession will not be tolerated, and our collaborative law enforcement partnerships will continue to aggressively prosecute these crimes," said United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the Hammond Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Nozick.               

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

###

Fort Wayne – Gerald Martin, 52, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Children, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Martin was sentenced to 180 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Restitution will be determined at a later date.

“Martin used, persuaded, induced, enticed and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct.  Gerald Martin will spend the next fifteen years in prison for his actions. Child exploitation and production of child pornography cases are a parent’s worst nightmare.  These offenses have life-altering, lasting impacts on victims and their families and require severe punishment to deter others from engaging in this heinous behavior.  The United States Attorneys’ Office will use whatever resources at our disposal to aggressively prosecute these offenders and get justice for their victims.” Said U.S. Attorney Mildred.

“Children should never be targets for sexual exploitation, and the harm caused by these crimes can last a lifetime,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “The FBI is committed to identifying and holding accountable those who exploit children, and we will continue working closely with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to protect victims and pursue justice.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

HAMMOND – Andrew Wells, Sr., 51 years old, of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to robbery affecting commerce, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Andrew Wells, Sr., was sentenced to 57 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $25,699 in restitution to the victims of the offense.

According to documents in the case, on October 25, 2022, in Hammond, Indiana, Wells robbed two cigarette delivery workers of 11 cases and 2 cartons of cigarettes valued at $25,699 with another robber while a third robber held the victim workers at gunpoint. 

“Andrew Wells, Sr. has been sentenced to a lengthy federal prison term for orchestrating a violent, armed robbery against delivery drivers employed by the very company he was hired to protect.  Our delivery workers provide an essential service to our communities, and they have the absolute right to do their jobs without a firearm pointed at their faces. The defendant did not just commit an act of senseless violence; he utterly violated a position of trust. Instead of protecting his colleagues, he used his insider knowledge as a security guard to target them, making his crimes particularly egregious and fully deserving of today’s severe sentence.  This successful prosecution sends a clear message that violent crime will be met with swift and decisive justice. We are deeply grateful for the seamless collaboration and tireless efforts of the FBI’s Gang Response Investigative Team (GRIT) Task Force and the Hammond Police Department. Their exceptional teamwork ensured this dangerous individual was taken off our streets and held fully accountable,” said United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

“People should be able to go to work, do their jobs, and make it home safely without having a gun pointed at them,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “This defendant took advantage of his position of trust and used what he knew about the company’s operations to target innocent workers and put their lives at risk. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to follow the evidence, identify those responsible for violent crimes, and make sure they are held accountable.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation/Gang Response Investigative Team Task Force and the Hammond Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean R. Lanter.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

###

SOUTH BEND – Robert Newton, 34 years old, of Niles, Michigan, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Newton was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Newton was driving in Michigan City, Indiana, when police pulled him over for a traffic infraction and discovered three baggies containing a total of about 59.5 grams of methamphetamine hidden in the back hatch of Newton’s rental car.

“Robert Newton poisoned our communities with deadly drugs, and he will be confined ten years for it. For years, methamphetamine has torn apart Indiana families, fueled violent crime, and devastated our streets. The defendant chose to profit from that misery, operating with a blatant disregard for the law until police intercepted his vehicle and uncovered nearly 60 grams of pure methamphetamine.  His sentence is not only entirely appropriate given the scale of his crimes, but it also serves as a critical deterrent to anyone else thinking of trafficking poison into our neighborhoods.  This successful prosecution was made possible by the seamless coordination and strong partnerships of our local, state, and federal law enforcement teams. Thanks to the tireless work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the DEA North Central Laboratory, the LaPorte County Drug Task Force, the Long Beach Police Department, and the Michigan City Police Department, there is one less major dealer on our streets today, and our community is safer for it," said United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the DEA North Central Laboratory, the LaPorte County Drug Task Force, the Long Beach Police Department, and the Michigan City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

###

A federal jury in the Northern District of Indiana convicted Anthony Mayers, 36, of Gary, Indiana, of four counts of trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and other related charges. Mayers lured vulnerable women into his scheme with promises that they would make enormous sums of money or be provided safe housing or other needs, and then he turned violent, coercing them to engage in commercial sex and taking the money they earned. Victims testified that he beat and threatened them by brandishing a firearm and shooting at them inside the house. 

“Anthony Mayers is an extremely violent sex trafficker who preyed upon vulnerable women for money,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The jury in this case heard testimony from the victims of how the defendant physically assaulted and intimidated them. He beat them, threatened them with death and bodily harm, and brandished firearms in their presence. The evidence included that he even administered a lethal injection to a heroin-addicted woman in front of one of the victims and forced that victim to help him move the body to an abandoned house. That is the pinnacle of fear and coercion. The jury’s verdict sends a clear message and helps vindicate the perils that the victims endured.”

“We are thankful for the jury’s careful deliberation and attention to detail on each specific count after hearing very difficult evidence and arguments of counsel over a period of nine days,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred for the Northern District of Indiana. “Verdicts like this in extremely serious cases only happen after the superior investigative work of our law‑enforcement partners, including the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals, and the Harvey (Illinois) Police Department that worked tirelessly to uncover the truth. That partnership allowed the legal team of Trial Attorney Matthew Thiman of the DOJ Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caitlin M. Padula and Nadia Wardrip for the Northern District of Indiana to prosecute the case. Most of all, we are thankful for the cooperation of the brave witnesses and survivors of crime who testified in this most difficult case.” 

“Traffickers rely on fear and violence to control their victims, but none of that will stop the FBI from bringing them to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office. “This criminal preyed on vulnerable women, abused them, and profited off their suffering. The FBI will relentlessly pursue violent offenders like him, break apart the coercive systems they build, and ensure they are held fully accountable for every act of harm they inflict.”

According to court documents, witness testimony, and evidence presented at trial, Mayers compelled four victims to engage in commercial sex acts in his residence and for his financial benefit using fraud, physical violence, firearms, addictive narcotics, and threats of physical force and death to keep the victims working under his control. Mayers used similar physical abuse and threats to compel another woman to work in his house daily, cleaning the “sex room” where he compelled the other victims to engage in commercial sex. One victim testified that she witnessed Mayers purposefully administer a “hot shot” — a lethal dose of narcotics — to another commercial sex worker causing the woman to fatally overdose. He then told the victim that she would suffer the same fate if she did not follow his rules. A second victim tried to leave Mayers’ residence in a car driven by another individual, only to have Mayers chase the car down the street, pull the victim from the car by her hair, and slam her head into a nearby fence, continuing to beat her until she agreed to return. When a third victim tried to escape, Mayers prevented her from leaving with her friend and fired his gun at the friend’s car as she drove away. 

When law enforcement executed a search warrant at Mayers’ residence, they recovered a “ghost gun” with an extended magazine, two rifles, ammunition, and cartridge casings. Law enforcement also observed numerous bullet defects in the walls of the residence. 

The jury convicted Mayers of four counts of sex trafficking, one count of forced labor, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

The FBI investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Matthew Thiman of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caitlin M. Padula and Nadia Wardrip for the Northern District of Indiana are prosecuting the case.

Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

SOUTH BEND – DeCarlos L. Smallwood, 51 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was convicted of eight felony counts after a four-day jury trial before United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Smallwood was found guilty of drug and firearm offenses, including conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, distribution and possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and discharging a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 26, 2027.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Postal Inspection Service, Indiana State Police, DEA North Central Laboratory, South Bend Police Department, St. Joseph County Police Department, and Mishawaka Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius and Joel Gabrielse.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Indianapolis comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, IRS, Indiana State Police, and other partners, with the prosecutions being led by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana.

SOUTH BEND – Gregory Hilliard, 66 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Hilliard was sentenced to 33 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

“Gregory Hilliard is a convicted sex offender who chose to possess a handgun in violation of federal law and bring that handgun to a medical facility in violation of the facility’s clear rules. He entered the medical center in South Bend with a handgun and left it behind in a waiting room chair.  Thankfully, an employee recovered the handgun after he left without anyone being hurt. The reckless way he left his loaded firearm in a vulnerable public space spoke loudly of his disdain for society and the rule of law.  The Defendant has prior felony convictions for criminal deviate conduct and aggravated battery, and he was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.  Thanks to the partnership of the ATF, South Bend Police Department, Indiana State Police Laboratory Division, St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s office led by Ken Cotter, and AUSA Andrew Krumweid, this violent Defendant received a dose of incarceration and 2 years of supervised, rehabilitative release that will remove him as threat to the citizens of the Northern District of Indiana.” United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred said.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the South Bend Police Department, Indiana State Police Laboratory, and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew A. Krumwied and former Assistant United States Attorney Hannah T Jones. 

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

SOUTH BEND – Quintel Miller, 36 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Miller was sentenced to 98 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.

“The Defendant distributed large amounts of dangerous drugs on the streets of our Indiana communities.  The illicit drugs endangered hundreds of Hoosiers and made our neighborhoods less safe.  The Defendant sold about 830 grams of methamphetamine to another person in exchange for money.  Thanks to the strong partnerships and efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Indiana State Police, our streets are safer, and our communities are stronger,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred. 

“Today, many across America, including here in Indiana, continue to struggle with addiction to methamphetamine. People are suffering and families are hurting. There is no room in our communities for anyone who distributes methamphetamine, thus ruining lives, families, and dreams. The Drug Enforcement Administration, along with its law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, will never cease in holding drug dealers accountable. The arrest and prosecution of Mr. Miller serve as a fine example of public safety working closely and diligently to keep Indiana and its Hoosiers safe,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chip Cooke.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Indiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Appellate Chief Joseph P. Falvey and Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

SOUTH BEND – Alexander Jakeway, 36 years old, of Valparaiso, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to transmitting online threats, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Jakeway was sentenced to 1 year of probation and ordered to complete 50 hours of community service.

“The First Amendment does not give anyone unfettered liberty to threaten harm against other individuals, including agents of the United States government.  In November 2025, the Defendant posted threats on social media directed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The online posts included the Defendant telling followers to ‘actually kill’ ICE agents and to ‘shoot on sight.’ We will aggressively defend the United States Constitution and those who swear an oath to protect it.  Thanks to the partnership of Homeland Security Investigations, the Valparaiso Police Department, and NDIN AUSA Lydia T. Lucius, the Defendant has been held accountable for his actions,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Valparaiso Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.

This case is part of the nationwide National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 initiative, which is a White House directed, interagency effort to integrate federal, state, and local partners in protecting First Amendment rights while targeting individuals and organizations engaged in political violence and is led by the investigative and prosecutorial Joint Task Force Vanguard.

SOUTH BEND – Rodoundy Smith, 41 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm after a two-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20, 2027.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the South Bend Police Department and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew A. Krumwied, Joseph M. Barrier, and Lydia T. Lucius. 

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

HAMMOND – Jordan C. Sneed, 32 years old, of Gary, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. 

McClendon was sentenced to 15 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $41,426.14 in restitution to victims of the offense. 

Sneed is the last of five defendants to be sentenced in this case.  Anthony Juan McClendon, the leader and organizer of the scheme, was sentenced on December 18, 2025, to 24 months in prison and 4 years of supervised release. On October 22, 2025, co-Defendant Reginald Russell was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for his role in altering the Postal money orders used in the scheme, after having been previously convicted of a similar offense in the Northern District of Illinois.  Co-defendants Austin Hartman and Santiago Andrade also received prison sentences for participating in the scheme. 

“Recidivist Jordan Sneed was sentenced to prison because he and his co-conspirators exploited the services of local banks and the United States Postal Service to make money through fraud.  They used U.S. Postal Service money orders that had been altered to reflect higher face values than the amounts for which they had been purchased. In total, the conspiracy produced and negotiated over $120,000 worth of altered money orders at financial institutions throughout Northern Indiana.  Unfortunately, Sneed engaged in this conduct within a matter of months after being released from a lengthy sentence in the Indiana Department of Corrections. Prior to this offense, Sneed had been incarcerated for approximately 10 years after a 2012 conviction for robbery resulting in serious bodily injury and carjacking in Vigo County, Indiana.  Thanks to the partnership of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Porter County Sheriff’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Munster Police Department, Hammond Police Department, Lansing (Illinois) Police Department, and NDIN AUSA Zachary D. Heater, repeat offenders and fraudsters will be held accountable in the Northern District of Indiana,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred. 

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Munster Police Department, Hammond Police Department, Lansing (Illinois) Police Department, and others.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary D. Heater. 

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs

FORT WAYNE – Robert Lamons II, 33 years old, of Fort Wayne, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Lamons was sentenced to 360 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

“The Defendant will spend the next three decades behind bars for running a large, illicit distribution network of poisonous fentanyl throughout Northern Indiana for several years, recruiting others and using a minor for transportation and delivery.  He coordinated the shipment of massive quantities of fentanyl pills from Arizona to Indiana.  Lamons recruited others to help him transport these drug shipments on commercial airline flights, including a minor under the age of 18.  After the shipments arrived, he used others to distribute his pills in northeastern Indiana.  His reckless disregard for his fellow Hoosiers by profiting from unleashing this poison was despicable.  Thanks to the partnership of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the FBI, Indiana State Police, Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and Fort Wayne Police Department; the Drug Enforcement Administration’s North Central Laboratory; the Phoenix (Arizona) Police Department; the Glendale (Arizona) Police Department; the Allen County (Indiana) Prosecuting Attorney’s Office led by Michael McAlexander and NDIN AUSA’s Anthony W. Geller and Lesley J. Miller Lowery, the Defendant has been taken out of circulation and the community is safer,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

“Thirty years in federal prison is a significant sentence, and it reflects the seriousness of what Robert Lamons did. He made the choice to put fentanyl on the streets in Indiana and people pay the price for that choice. Our message is simple: If you bring this poison into our communities, we will find you, and we will hold you accountable,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the FBI, Indiana State Police, Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and Fort Wayne Police Department.  The Drug Enforcement Administration’s North Central Laboratory, the Phoenix (Arizona) Police Department, the Glendale (Arizona) Police Department, and the Allen County (Indiana) Prosecuting Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Crossroads comprises agents and officers from HSI, FBI, USAINN, USAINS, DEA, ATF, IRS, USPIS, USMS, and ISP with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana

HAMMOND – Thomas J. Lemmen, 51 years old, of Schererville, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Lemmen was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $1,601,505.27 in restitution to the victims of the offense.

According to documents in the case, Thomas Lemmen worked as a licensed independent insurance agent in the state of Indiana since 2012.  Between 2020 and 2022, Lemmen used his position to operate a Ponzi-style fraud scheme that allowed him to profit by writing high volumes of fraudulent life insurance policies. On thousands of separate occasions, Lemmen wrote life insurance policies in the names of current, former, and prospective clients without their knowledge or consent.  As part of the policy writing process, Lemmen unlawfully used sensitive information such as his victims’ names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and details about their family history.  Lemmen also forged the digital signatures of the purported applicants on various legal documents, including medical records releases that caused the disclosure of the victims’ sensitive medical and pharmaceutical information to the insurance companies.  Most of Lemmen’s identity theft victims were retirees and elderly residents of Northwest Indiana.  Lemmen profited through the commission payments he received each time he wrote a new fraudulent policy.  Lemmen also took sophisticated steps to make his fictitious insurance policies appear legitimate and avoid detection for over two and a half years. 

In all, Lemmen wrote more than 2,000 fraudulent life insurance policies in the names of hundreds of victims, receiving over $5 million in commissions to which he was not entitled.  Lemmen used the proceeds to fund the continued operation of the scheme and for his own personal spending.  Among other things, Lemmen spent significant sums on home furnishings and renovations, including on an outdoor pool at his home, and on frequent travel.  In April 2023, the Indiana Department of Insurance took administrative action to prevent the renewal of Lemmen’s license to sell insurance in the state of Indiana. 

“Hundreds of people trusted Thomas Lemmen to write life insurance policies to protect themselves and their loved ones. But he betrayed that trust and fraudulently obtained millions of dollars to which he was not entitled. Thanks to the combined efforts of the FBI, the United States Bankruptcy Trustee for Region 10, and Assistant United States Attorney Zach Heater, the public can see that those who choose to commit fraud will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Mildred. 

“Lemmen took advantage of his position and ripped off a lot of people - including seniors - just to line his own pockets. He took information people trusted him with and used it against them. These people thought they were protecting their families, and instead, he made them victims,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “The FBI and our partners are on it. We’re digging into these complicated fraud schemes, we’re following the money, and we’re going to chase these cases down. Criminals like Lemmen need to be held accountable.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the United States Bankruptcy Trustee for Region 10.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary D. Heater. 

SOUTH BEND – Samantha M. Conley, 31 years old, of Schererville, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Conley was sentenced to 190 months in prison, 10 years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.

According to documents in the case, Conley possessed 82 videos depicting child sexual abuse material. 

“The Defendant’s disturbing pattern of abuse and betrayal of trust is appalling.  Her continued illicit actions spiraled into deviancy while she turned her back on a strong support system to explore the darkness of sexual abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.

“Every image and video depicting the sexual abuse of a child represents a real victim whose innocence was violated. Possessing this material fuels the exploitation of children and perpetuates their abuse,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy O’Malley. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of Conley’s actions and the harm inflicted on this young victim. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively investigate those who seek out and possess child sexual abuse material.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse and former Assistant United States Attorney Hannah T Jones. 

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

SOUTH BEND – Jason Waikel, 47 years old, of Warsaw, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm as an Armed Career Criminal, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Waikel was sentenced to 188 months in prison and 48 months of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Waikel became a person of interest when the Warsaw Police Department investigated an incident where shots were fired from a moving car in July of 2025. Police executed a search warrant on Waikel’s car and found a bullet hole in the driver’s side trunk lid. Police executed a search warrant on a storage unit that Waikel owned and recovered four firearms. Waikel later admitted to police that he had fired shots during the shooting incident. Waikel is an Armed Career Criminal and is thus prohibited from possessing firearms. Waikel’s prior convictions include battery resulting in bodily injury and two different convictions for offenses committed on separate occasions for robbery while armed with a deadly weapon. 

“The Defendant has a 30-year criminal history of serious violent crimes involving firearms.  His continued use of drugs, violent behavior, and bad decisions constitute a flagrant disrespect for the rule of law and create a serious risk to our neighborhoods and communities of Northern Indiana.  This stern sentence provides accountability and serves to protect our communities from his future criminal actions.  Close collaboration and strong partnerships between the Warsaw Police Department, the Kosciusko County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were instrumental in bringing this man to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.

“This case demonstrates the serious consequences for repeat violent offenders that illegally possess firearms. Our partnerships in the region are strong, and I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of the US Attorney’s Office, Warsaw Police Department, and the Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office. ATF remains steadfast in our commitment to keep firearms out of the hands of violent felons and to continue working alongside our partners to keep our communities safe,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge, Region 2, Christopher Amon.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Warsaw Police Department, and the Kosciusko County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Barrier and former Assistant United States Attorney Hannah T Jones.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

HAMMOND – Jose Zapata-Ramirez, 35 years old, of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to felony reentry of a removed alien, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Zapata-Ramirez was sentenced to time served of approximately four months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release which would take effect should Zapata-Ramirez remain in, or return to, the United States within that period following anticipated removal proceedings.

“Zapata-Ramirez was stopped by the Porter Police Department for committing a traffic violation with a fictitious Texas license plate affixed to the back of his vehicle. An investigation revealed that he was an illegal alien who was previously deported in April 2014. By his own admission, he returned to the United States in 2022 without inspection by an immigration officer. He clearly has no respect for our nation’s laws, borders, or sovereignty. Once he is released, Zapata-Ramirez must return to his home country and not return to the United States illegally. Thanks to the combined efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Porter Police Department, and Assistant United States Attorney Steven J. Lupa, this defendant has been held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Mildred.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Porter Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven Lupa.

SOUTH BEND – Keith Jennings, 51 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.

Jennings was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.

“A drug dealer meant to profit from unleashing nearly 5 pounds of methamphetamine into our community, but a drug canine ruined his plans.   On September 15, 2025, law enforcement performed a traffic stop on a truck Keith Jennings was driving. During the stop, a drug K9 alerted on the vehicle. Officers searched the truck and found approximately 2,128.5 grams of methamphetamine in the backseat area.  Thanks to the collaboration of the Drug Enforcement Administration, including the DEA Merrillville District Office, DEA Chicago Special Response Team, DEA Detroit Special Response Team, DEA St. Louis Special Response Team, and DEA North Central Laboratory; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Indiana State Police; the South Bend Police Department; St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office; Mishawaka Police Department; the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office led by Ken Cotter; and Assistant United States Attorneys Lydia T. Lucius and Joel Gabrielse, the Defendant has been sent to prison for fifteen years, the drugs have been intercepted, and our state and nation is safer,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

“A nearly five-pound seizure of methamphetamine is more than just a statistic; it represents thousands of potential deadly doses that will not make it onto the streets of north central Indiana. The arrest and prosecution of Mr. Jennings highlight the strength of our law enforcement partnerships and the resolve we share in confronting those who traffic dangerous drugs into our communities. The Drug Enforcement Administration and its partners are committed to identifying drug traffickers, disrupting their operations, and holding them accountable,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chip Cooke.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Indianapolis comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, IRS, Indiana State Police, and other partners, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

HAMMOND - Horacio Alarcon-Roldan, 32 years old, of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to felony reentry of removed alien, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Alarcon-Roldan was sentenced to 6 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The supervised release term would go into effect should the Defendant remain in, or return to, the United States within that period following expected removal proceedings.

According to documents in the case, Alarcon-Roldan has a prior misdemeanor conviction for illegal entry without inspection in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico.

“The Defendant was previously removed from the United States in May 2013 and showed that he did not believe our nations laws applied to him. He was wrong. Once he is released, the Defendant needs to return home and not violate our nation’s borders again illegally. Thanks to the combined efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District Transit Police, and Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan, the Defendant has been held accountable,” said US Attorney, Adam Mildred.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District Transit Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan.

###

SOUTH BEND – De’Angelo Alexander, 28 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Alexander was sentenced to 135 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

“The Defendant acted as a drug wholesaler of the most dangerous drugs and guns on the streets of our Indiana communities.  The amount of dangerous drugs he distributed endangered hundreds of Hoosiers and made our neighborhoods less safe. Alexander sold 77 grams of pure methamphetamine to another person. On other occasions he sold 416 grams and 445 grams of pure methamphetamine to different people. Investigators then obtained a federal search warrant for Alexander’s home and recovered an additional 119 grams of methamphetamine. Spending over eleven years in federal prison will remove this continual threat from our streets and give him much needed time to reprioritize his life decisions.   Thanks to the strong partnerships and efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Bend Police Department, and the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office, our streets are safer, and our communities are stronger,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Local law enforcement partnerships with the South Bend Police Department and the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office were instrumental in the success of this case.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse. 

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

###

HAMMOND – Hector Manuel Retana-Garcia, 29 years old, of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to felony Reentry of a Removed Alien, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Retana-Garcia was sentenced to 8 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release.  Because he has no legal status in the United States, Retana-Garcia will be subject to a separate and immediate removal process upon his release from prison. The supervised release term will go into effect if Retana-Garcia remains in, or returns to, the United States within that period. 

“The Defendant was a member of the Sureños 13 – a violent organization with ties to the Mexican Mafia prison gang – and he has the tattoos to prove it,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred. 

“He was previously convicted of two felony counts in North Carolina, and ICE removed him from the country after he served time in prison for those offenses. Instead of staying home in Mexico, he came back to the United States illegally. The Defendant has repeatedly violated our Nation’s borders, laws and sovereignty. This successful prosecution highlights the critical partnership between local and federal law enforcement and serves as a firm warning to violent offenders who violate U.S. immigration law,” Mildred said.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Francis Sohn.

SOUTH BEND – Santos Duron Cisneros, 36 years old, of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to assault of a federal officer, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Duron Cisneros was sentenced to 8 months in prison.

“An violent illegal alien who assaulted a federal officer was sent to prison for his inexcusable acts.  Duron Cisneros violated our nation’s borders, laws, and sovereignty when he entered the United States illegally and doubled down when he assaulted an ICE ERO officer.  In February 2026, a federal officer with Immigration Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO) was transporting Duron Cisneros and two other individuals in a vehicle. During the transport, Duron Cisneros became combative, verbally abusive, and physically assaulted another person in the car. Duron Cisneros then resisted the federal officer’s attempts to intervene. He kicked at the officer and made contact with the officer’s hands as the officer deflected the kick. Duron Cisneros also tried to headbutt the officer.  Thanks to the efforts of the Homeland Security Investigations and Immigration Customs Enforcement, and Assistant United States Attorneys Lydia T. Lucius and Teresa L. Ashcraft, the Defendant has been held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

This case is part of the nationwide National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 initiative, which is a White House directed, interagency effort to integrate federal, state, and local partners in protecting First Amendment rights while targeting individuals and organizations engaged in political violence and is led by the investigative and prosecutorial Joint Task Force Vanguard.

HAMMOND – Miguel Rodriguez-Ezquivel, 39 years old, of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to felony reentry of removed alien, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon sentenced the Defendant to time served followed by 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 Special Assessment. The supervised release term will go into effect if Rodriguez-Ezquivel remains in, or returns to, the United States within that period following expected removal proceedings.

“The Defendant has been deported previously in June 2012 and clearly did not respect our nation’s laws, borders, or her sovereignty then or when he illegally returned.  Once he is released, the Defendant needs to return to his home country and not return again to the United States illegally.  Thanks to the combined efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant United States Attorney Nadia Wardrip, the Defendant has been held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.

HAMMOND – Shaquille Strauther, 33 years old, of Sauk Village, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Strauther was sentenced to 37 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.

“A convicted felon and parolee will spend the next three years in prison after being caught with a stolen gun.  On February 26, 2026, Shaquille Strauther illegally possessed a loaded .45 caliber, semi-automatic pistol in his waist during a traffic stop in Schererville, Indiana.  At the time he possessed the firearm, which had previously been reported stolen, Strauther was on parole following a prior felony conviction for home invasion with a firearm.  Thanks to the efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, the case was able to be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean R. Lanter.  The Defendant has been incarcerated, the gun was recovered, and our community and nation is safer,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

FORT WAYNE – Antonio Kelly, 43 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Kelly was sentenced to 150 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

“A convicted felon chose to possess a firearm on October 13th, 2024, and will spend 12 and a half years in prison and 3 years on supervised release as a result of his choices.  The Defendant’s criminal history included felonies for Resisting Law Enforcement and Possession of Methamphetamine.  Thanks to the cooperation of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department, the case was brought by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said United States Attorney Adam Mildred.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

HAMMOND – Rosario Carrillo Lopez, 54 years old, a Mexican national, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Carrillo Lopez was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $3,809.33 in restitution for damage he caused to a government vehicle. Because he has no legal status in the United States, Carrillo Lopez will be subject to a separate and immediate removal process upon his release from prison.

“An illegal alien will serve a year in prison after pleading guilty to assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer.  He will then be subject to an independent, immediate removal process upon his release from prison.  He was also ordered to pay $3,809.33 in restitution for damage he caused to a government vehicle.  To be clear, there is zero tolerance for those who forcibly assault or impede federal law enforcement.  Carrillo Lopez is a Mexico national who chose to enter the United States illegally. When ICE caught up with him and attempted to make an arrest, Carrillo Lopez stepped on the gas pedal and dangerously fled through a residential area. Through his reckless actions, Carrillo Lopez jeopardized the safety of law enforcement officers who are sworn to uphold our laws and protect the public. He also endangered the lives and safety of innocent bystanders who were simply going about their day—drivers, pedestrians, and schoolchildren—all so he could evade arrest. And later, he doubled down and put his own family in harm’s way, allowing them to physically confront agents while he bolted out the back door to escape a federal arrest warrant. Carrillo Lopez should consider himself lucky that a tragedy was avoided due to the disciplined and measured response by federal law enforcement agents.  The Defendant chose to violate our nation’s laws, borders, and sovereignty, and then committed additional high risk felonies to evade capture with no care for the harm that might result.  Thanks to the efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the United States Marshals Service and Assistant United States Attorney Steven J. Lupa, the Defendant has been held accountable for his deliberate, selfish choices,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

“Violence against federal law enforcement is a serious crime that places agents and the public at risk,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. “HSI Special Agents and Task Force Officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect our communities from violent crime.  HSI is grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their commitment to ensuring accountability in this case.”

“The U.S. Marshals Service remains steadfast in its partnership with Homeland Security Investigations to remove dangerous criminals and undocumented offenders from our streets,” said United States Marshal Todd L. Nukes. “Through coordinated efforts, this subject was safely subdued and will not pose any future risk to our communities.  We will continue these efforts for the safety and security of all residents.”

According to documents in the case, on October 13, 2025, deportation officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) stopped Carrillo Lopez’s vehicle to conduct an immigration enforcement action. Upon learning the officers were with ICE, Carrillo Lopez sped away and led them on a high-speed chase through the streets of Gary, in the middle of rush hour on a Monday morning. As he fled, Carrillo Lopez drove over a curb, along a sidewalk, and through a cardboard sign. He also used his vehicle to strike one of the officer’s vehicles, causing damage to the front passenger’s side bumper and wheel well.

Based on this criminal conduct, federal agents obtained a warrant for Carrillo Lopez’s arrest. Ten days later, on October 23, 2025, agents with Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Marshals Service went to Defendant’s house to arrest him. After their attempts to coax Carrillo Lopez out of the house failed, agents made the decision to breach the front door. Once inside the house, the agents faced physical resistance from Carrillo Lopez’s family, while Carrillo Lopez ran out the back door and jumped onto the roof.

The agents eventually located Carrillo Lopez and took him into custody. Carrillo Lopez spoke to agents following his arrest, after being advised of his Miranda rights. Explaining his decision to flee, Carrillo Lopez said he needed to “hide” and that “if I go easy, you’re gonna take me.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with valuable assistance provided by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven J. Lupa.

FORT WAYNE – Douglas Hillsamer, 44 years old, of Marion, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to attempting to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Hillsamer was sentenced to 132 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

“A drug dealer intended to profit from distributing nearly 3 pounds of almost 100% pure methamphetamine and earned 11 years in prison and 5 years of supervised release instead.  The Defendant was to receive a shipment of methamphetamine in the mail from Fresno, California when it was intercepted by the United States Postal Service. Inside the package were three plastic bags containing almost 100% pure methamphetamine with a pure substance weight of 1,317.83 grams. The Defendant admitted to investigators that the methamphetamine was destined for him, and that he planned to unleash that poison on our communities.  He was no rookie, having prior felony convictions for possession of methamphetamine and invasion of privacy.  Thanks to the partnership of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Indiana State Police and Assistant United States Attorneys Teresa L. Ashcraft and Justin C. Sheridan, the Defendant is behind bars, the drugs have been removed from our community, and the nation is safer,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.

"The U.S. Postal Service is a trusted service, not a pipeline for dangerous drugs," said Felicia George, Inspector in Charge for U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Detroit Division. "Postal inspectors are committed to identifying and disrupting drug trafficking networks that exploit the mail to distribute illegal narcotics. This sentence highlights the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies working together to protect our communities and hold offenders accountable."

A photograph of the intercepted methamphetamine taken by law enforcement attached.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Indiana State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Teresa L. Ashcraft and Justin C. Sheridan.

FORT WAYNE – Derek Gaff, 45 years old, of Columbia City, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to Possession of Child Pornography, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Gaff was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. Gaff was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $13,000.00, however further restitution will be determined at a later date.

“A recidivist Defendant possessed child pornography between September 2023 and April 2025. The Defendant had previously been convicted of Possession of Child Pornography in Whitley County.  The Defendant has traded the next ten years in prison for his choice to possess these deplorable materials and will be supervised for an additional ten years when he gets out to protect the children in our community.  Offenders who possess CSAM take their delight in the victimization and violation of children and that is nothing short of evil. They also contribute to the perpetual victimization of the innocent so long as it is in circulation, whether or not the Offenders participate in it themselves.  Thanks to the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Indiana State Police and the Whitley County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the Whitley County Prosecutor’s Office led by D.J. Sigler, the case was able to be prosecuted by Lesley J. Miller Lowery as part of Project Safe Childhood.  Our children are safer with him behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

HAMMOND, SOUTH BEND, FORT WAYNE - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana supports and encourages community organizers, neighbors, and law enforcement partners to participate in National Night Out events on August 4, 2026, in each of the branches in Northwest Indiana, South Bend and Fort Wayne.  

“National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country.  We are proud to support those leaders who are committed to helping make our communities a safer place to live, work, and play,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.

National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the United States Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.

“Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Below is a list of National Night Out Events happening today in the Northern District of Indiana all hosted by local participating law enforcement agencies. 

Scheduled Events: 

1. NATW’s National Night Out at the Pavilion

Wolf Lake Memorial Park

2324 Calumet Ave. Hammond, IN 46320

4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. CST

1. St. Joseph County Police National Night Out

Memorial Park

302 W Michigan St, New Carlisle, IN 46552

5:30 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. EST

1. South Bend Police Department National Night Out

701 W. Sample Street, South Bend, IN 46601

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. EST

1. Fort Wayne Police Department National Night Out

Memorial Park

2301 Maumee Ave. Fort Wayne, IN 46803

5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.

For more information, visit https://natw.org/.

SOUTH BEND – Matthew J. Kawa, 48 years old, of Grant Park, Illinois, and his sister Jennifer L. Stechkober, 32 years old, of Michigan City, Indiana, were sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to introducing unapproved new drugs into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Additionally, Kawa pled guilty to illegally importing merchandise into the United States.

Kawa was sentenced to 70 months of prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. Stechkober was sentenced to 16 months of prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. Both defendants were ordered to pay $78,317.52 in restitution. The Court also entered a money judgment against Kawa in the amount of $5 million.

“The owner of Paradigm Peptides and his accomplice have been held accountable, sentenced to prison, and ordered to pay restitution to the identified victims.  He and his accomplice lied to the world at large saying their company was legitimate; their products were safe, pure, tested, and manufactured in the United States; and that they were approved by the FDA.  They were all lies.  What’s worse is that the two defendants fleeced an estimated 54,000 people out of over 5 million dollars, in total, and acted with callous disregard for the truth and the significant harm that could and, in some cases, was inflicted on those customers.  These customers trusted them and consumed the products in the hope of improving their health or physique and instead were poisoned with known and unknown substances that were illegally imported from China, India, and other countries.  Hopefully this outcome will deter bad actors who would try to make quick, easy money selling unregulated and untested products in interstate commerce.  Thanks to the extensive efforts by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander and with cooperation of brave victims and witnesses, the Defendants have been held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.

“The Defendant operated a business called Paradigm Peptides that marketed products online. Through his website, the Defendant and his sister/accomplice illegally sold peptides, Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (“SARMs”), Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (“HCG”), and other drugs for human consumption without approval from the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). He then shipped his products to customers through the mail. On the business website and in representations to customers by email, the Defendant and his employees falsely said that his business was licensed and registered with the FDA, that the business manufactured its products at its own laboratories in the United States, that it tested its products to ensure the highest quality, and that its products were safe and of pharmaceutical quality. In reality, the Defendant imported the products from Asia, including China and India, and he did not test the products for quality before selling them to customers. It was later determined that many of the SARMs sold by Paradigm Peptides were actually testosterone and not the SARM listed on the product’s label. Stechkober worked in the business’s location in Michigan City, Indiana, where they packaged and shipped products to customers,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

“Kawa continued to sell these products online despite receiving letters in 2020 and 2022 from the FDA warning him that he was marketing and selling unapproved drugs in violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. From 2019 to 2024, he sold products to more than 54,000 customers in each of the 50 United States and throughout more than 80 countries worldwide. Kawa derived $5 million in proceeds from the illegal sales. Several customers, including those who ingested testosterone mislabeled as SARMs, reported severe negative effects on their physical, psychological, and mental health after using the products. In particular, customers reported skin irritation and chronic acne; drops in natural testosterone requiring testosterone replacement therapy; cardiac health issues; and stress, anxiety, and other psychological issues up to suicidal ideation,” U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred said.

“The FDA’s requirements help ensure that individuals receive safe and effective drugs. Evading the FDA process and distributing unapproved drugs to consumers poses a serious risk to public health and safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Chicago Field Office. “FDA will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who traffic in unapproved drugs.”

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from criminal activity, preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail, and protecting the United States Postal Service employees,” said Inspector in Charge Felicia B. George, United States Postal Inspection Service, Detroit Division. “The public has a right to expect the U.S. Mail and its contents to be safe, and Mr. Kawa and Ms. Stechkober eroded that trust by distributing unsafe and dangerous substances through the United States Postal Service. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service works tirelessly with our Local, State, and Federal law enforcement partners to protect the public from dangerous substances.”

This case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander.

SOUTH BEND – Jakari K. Lawson, 20 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty to a term of 24 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to illegal possession of a machinegun, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

“The Defendant chose to possess a machine gun while driving around South Bend and will have two years to think through those choices, thanks to the coalition of local, state, and federal law enforcement through Project Safe Neighborhoods and Operation Take Back America.  South Bend Police pulled over a car driven by the Defendant and found two guns, one sitting in his lap and the other placed next to his right leg and the center console of the car. The gun in his lap had a “switch” attached, which enabled the gun to fire in a fully automatic fashion, firing multiple rounds with one function of the trigger. The gun was loaded with an extended magazine holding 19 rounds of ammunition with one round loaded in the chamber.  Thanks to the intervention of the South Bend Police Department, investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and assistance from the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office led by Ken Cotter, the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander.  Our community and streets are safer due to their collaborative efforts,” U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred said.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

SOUTH BEND - DeCarlos Christopher Smallwood, 29 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

Smallwood was sentenced to 228 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

“An armed drug dealer possessed nearly a pound and a half of pure methamphetamine intending to profit from unleashing that poison in our community.  He will spend the next nineteen years in prison and will be supervised for five years once he is released.  He is no stranger to the system as he has convictions for perjury and a prior federal felony conviction for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, which prohibited him from lawfully possessing firearms.  On November 6, 2025, law enforcement executed search warrants on Smallwood’s home and a vehicle on the property. Officers found approximately 669 grams of pure methamphetamine and a loaded Ruger firearm.  Thanks to the combined efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, including the DEA Merrillville District Office, DEA Chicago Special Response Team, DEA Detroit Special Response Team, DEA St. Louis Special Response Team, and DEA North Central Laboratory; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Indiana State Police; the South Bend Police Department; the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office; the Mishawaka Police Department; and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office led by Ken Cotter, the case was brought and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.  Our community and nation are safer because of their partnership as part of the Homeland Security Task Force and Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.

“There is no room in north central Indiana for violent drug dealers, let alone for those with prior felony convictions. Mr. Smallwood will soon depart our community for a long, 19 year stay at a federal correctional institution. While there, he can contemplate the pain and suffering he brought to fellow Hoosiers; and hopefully he will work towards being a productive member of society upon his return. In the meantime, the Drug Enforcement Administration, its law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who traffic drugs and bring violence to our cherished northern Indiana,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chip Cooke. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, including the DEA Merrillville District Office, DEA Chicago Special Response Team, DEA Detroit Special Response Team, DEA St. Louis Special Response Team, and DEA North Central Laboratory, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Indiana State Police, South Bend Police Department, St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office, Mishawaka Police Department, and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Indianapolis comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, IRS, Indiana State Police, and other partners, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

SOUTH BEND – Caleb Bonnell, 20 years old, of Bringhurst, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to cyberstalking, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Bonnell was sentenced to 36 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

“The Defendant terrorized the victim and the victim’s family member using cyberstalking and swatting, which are abuses of human beings through the use of technology.  The Defendant will spend some time in jail to think about his vicious choices.  From September 2025 through December 2025, the Defendant used various electronic devices to harass and intimidate the victim and the victim’s family member. The Defendant sent hundreds of unwanted text messages, emailed the victim’s school several times, sent over seventy social media messages to the victim’s classmates, and made a threatening statement about the victim on an online application. The Defendant also “swatted” the victim’s residence by making false reports to law enforcement, which caused officers to dispatch to the victim’s home.  Technology has the potential greatly serve the public and improve our lives.  Here, the Defendant used it for deplorable means and has been punished for it thanks to the combined efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Caroll County Police Department and the San Diego Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius, and we are safer for their combined efforts,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.

"Technology has made it easier for criminals to target victims, but it has not changed the serious consequences of these crimes," said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O'Malley. "Cyberstalking and swatting are dangerous offenses that can terrorize victims, strain public safety resources, and place both innocent people and responding officers at unnecessary risk. The FBI is committed to investigating these crimes and ensuring those who use the internet to threaten or intimidate others are brought to justice."

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Caroll County Police Department and the San Diego Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.

HAMMOND –On July 23, 2026, Milson Canelas Maradiaga, 29 years old, of Honduras, is the latest Honduran national to be sentenced to prison for his role in an expansive bank fraud conspiracy resulting in significant losses to small businesses and community banks in more than a dozen states, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Canelas Maradiaga was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He was also ordered to pay $533,043 in restitution to the victims of his crimes. The sentence was imposed by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon at a hearing held on July 23, 2026.

“Milson Canelas Maradiaga will spend 27 months in prison because he and his co-conspirators used fake identification cards to cash 169 fraudulent paychecks totaling $233,569 at three branches of the same bank in the Northern District of Indiana on January 11, 2023. The fraudulent paychecks were designed to look like they had been issued by a company that operates dairy farms in the Northern District of Indiana. Almost six months later, on June 23, 2023, Canelas Maradiaga and his co-conspirators used fake identification cards to cash 178 fraudulent paychecks totaling $299,474 at five branches of the same bank and three check cashing businesses in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The fraudulent paychecks were designed to look like they had been issued by a building materials supply company in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. As he has no legal no legal status within the United States, he will be subject to a separate and immediate removal process upon release from prison. Thanks to the combined efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Indiana State Police, with valuable assistance provided by the Benton County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Department, the Benton County (Indiana) Prosecutor’s Office, the Poteau (Oklahoma) Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Travis County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, the Houston (Texas) Police Department, the Nebraska State Police, and the Stanton County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office, the case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven J. Lupa from the Northern District of Indiana and Assistant United States Attorneys Kara Traster and Jordan Howanitz from the Eastern District of Oklahoma,” said U.S. Attorney Mildred.

“Criminal organizations that use stolen or fraudulent identities to target community banks and local businesses undermine the integrity of our financial system and harm hardworking victims,” said Homeland Security Investigations Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. “This sentencing demonstrates HSI’s commitment to aggressively investigating financial fraud crimes and ensuring consequences for the perpetrators.  We are grateful for the outstanding partnership among the agencies and prosecutors whose coordinated efforts helped dismantle this scheme.”

Six co-conspirators were previously sentenced to prison for their roles in this scheme: Luis Banegas Rodriguez (27 months), Ricardo Castro Murillo (37 months), Carlos Aquino Sosa (41 months), Edwin Palacios Sosa (27 months), Delvin Velasquez Romero (time served of approximately 17 months), and Rosalio Pena Sandres (33 months).

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Indiana State Police, with valuable assistance provided by the Benton County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Department, the Benton County (Indiana) Prosecutor’s Office, the Poteau (Oklahoma) Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Travis County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, the Houston (Texas) Police Department, the Nebraska State Police, and the Stanton County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven J. Lupa from the Northern District of Indiana and Assistant United States Attorneys Kara Traster and Jordan Howanitz from the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Indianapolis comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, IRS, Indiana State Police, and other partners, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana.

HAMMOND – Israel Castro, 37 years old, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm as an illegal alien, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. 

“An armed illegal alien will serve two years in jail followed by a year of supervised release after yet again violating our nation’s borders, laws, and sovereignty and being in possession of a firearm.  On February 2, 2025, law enforcement responded to a report of gunshots fired at a residence on Cardinal Drive in East Chicago, Indiana, involving a white transit van. A witness identified Israel Castro as the shooter. Law enforcement located the van and detained Castro who admitted to having a weapon inside the van. A semi-automatic pistol was later recovered from the van. He had been previously convicted of Illegal Entry on May 15, 2014, in the Northern District of Indiana.  As part of Operation Take Back America and Project Safe Neighborhoods, Homeland Security Investigations and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office teamed with Assistant United States Attorney Kristian R. Mukoski to bring this case.  Our nation is safer when armed illegal aliens are caught, incarcerated, and removed.  The Defendant needs to return to his home country and not violate our nation’s laws again,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristian R. Mukoski. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

SOUTH BEND – Renee S. Toliver, 41 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was found guilty after a two-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

“On July 22, 2026, after a trial spanning two days, a jury returned a verdict of guilty against a Defendant charged her with one count of theft of money in excess of $1,000 belonging to the Four Winds Casino.  The matter was investigated by the Pokagon Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke N. Reilander and Joseph M. Barrier.  Sentencing is scheduled for October 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM before United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

"Strong businesses create opportunities, strengthen communities, and improve lives," said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O'Malley. "When someone abuses a position of trust for personal gain, the damage extends far beyond the dollars stolen. The FBI is committed to investigating financial crimes, protecting the integrity of our institutions, and ensuring those responsible are held accountable."

Pokagon Police Chief Doug Callahan said, “This verdict reflects the dedication and professionalism of the Pokagon Tribal Police Department and the strong collaboration with our federal law enforcement partners. We remain committed to protecting our community and ensuring those who commit crimes are held accountable."

Sentencing is scheduled for October 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

This case was investigated by the Pokagon Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke N. Reilander and Joseph M. Barrier.

SOUTH BEND – Donald Cauffman, 34 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to attempt to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Cauffman was sentenced to 90 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

“The Defendant will serve seven and a half years in prison and will be supervised for three years thereafter because he sought to poison our communities by distributing nearly ten pounds of methamphetamine.  Investigators learned that the Defendant ordered approximately $4,700 worth of methamphetamine pills on the dark web with the intent to distribute them. The pills were delivered in two packages and had a combined weight of approximately 4.5 kilograms. Investigators with United States Postal Inspection service executed a controlled delivery of the packages and monitored the packages as the Defendant opened them.  Thanks to the United States Postal Inspection Service, the South Bend Police Department, the Mishawaka Police Department, and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office led by Ken Cotter, the Defendant was able to be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.  The Defendant sought to profit from peddling this poison in our communities and we are safer because the drugs were intercepted and he is behind bars,” said United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. 

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the South Bend Police Department, the Mishawaka Police Department, and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.

HAMMOND – Fredy Jiguan-Temaj, 23 years old, of Guatemala, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to felony reentry of removed alien, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Judge Philip P. Simon sentenced the Defendant to time served, followed by 1 year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 Special Assessment. The supervised release term would go into effect should the Defendant remain in, or return to, the United States within that period following expected removal proceedings.

“An illegal alien from the Republic of Guatemala who had been previously removed from the United States in 2022 was arrested on March 17, 2026, after causing a disturbance while operating a pickup truck in the parking lot of a Merrillville hotel.  The defendant, who appeared to be heavily intoxicated at the time, then fled from the Merrillville Police officers responding to the scene, causing property damage to another vehicle.  The Defendant was previously removed from the United States in 2022 and had reentered the country without inspection or approval.  The Defendant again violated our nation’s borders, sovereignty and laws and was caught because he was endangering our community and then fled from officers.  Thanks to the efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Merrillville Police Department and Assistant United States Attorney Zachary D. Heater, the Defendant has been prosecuted and sentenced.  The Defendant needs to respect our nation’s laws and not return illegally,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

HAMMOND- Derek Cast, 48 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to distributing 50 grams of more of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. 

Cast was sentenced to 192 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

“A drug and gun dealer will spend the next 16 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for plying his trade of mayhem and poison.  On October 2, 2025, the defendant sold just under a pound of methamphetamine to law enforcement. A few weeks later, on October 28, and November 5, 2025, he sold law enforcement 4 semi-automatic pistols and 2 rifles and demonstrated how to use one of the rifles as a fully automatic firearm. He was immediately arrested and law enforcement recovered a firearm from his person.  The defendant has multiple felony convictions, including attempted battery involving law enforcement, carrying a handgun without a license, possession of cocaine, and dealing in cocaine, all of which were felonies that disqualified him from possessing any firearm or ammunition, much less selling them along with the methamphetamine.  Citizens of our community and nation are safer for the efforts of agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods and Operation Take Back America,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.            

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

SOUTH BEND –Luis Garcia, 25 years old, of Goshen, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to possession of a machinegun and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Garcia was sentenced to 63 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

“The Defendant will serve over five years in prison after he flashed a machine gun at another person inside a bar. Security removed him from the premises and took away his gun, which had a 30-round extended magazine loaded with 24 rounds plus a round chambered. It also had a Glock switch attached, which allowed the gun to fire in rapid succession, in fully automatic. Garcia escaped the grip of the guards and ran away before police arrived. Sometime later, police pulled over a car where Garcia was a passenger and found him in possession of yet another firearm and cocaine. Garcia had a felony conviction for unlawful carrying of a handgun, and he was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.  Thanks to the combined efforts of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Goshen Police Department and the support of the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office led by Vicki Becker, the Defendant was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katelan McKenzie Doyle and Joel Gabrielse.  Our community is safer with him off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Goshen Police Department and the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katelan McKenzie Doyle and Joel Gabrielse. 

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Indianapolis comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, IRS, Indiana State Police, and other partners, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana.

SOUTH BEND – Oscar Andres Lopez-Gomez, 52 years old, a citizen of Colombia, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to felony use of a false Social Security Number and Aggravated Identity Theft, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. 

Lopez-Gomez was sentenced to 25 months in prison.

“The Defendant, a citizen of Columbia, committed Aggravated Identity Theft by using another person’s name, date of birth, and Social Security Number in an attempt to circumvent rules regarding employment.  Circumventing those rules is not “victimless” conduct in that it affects the economic opportunities available to citizens and guests of our country who lawfully participate in the economy in good faith. As a result of the collaboration between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations, the case was able to be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

HAMMOND- Darod Wheeler, 55 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was found guilty following a two-day trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. 

Sentencing is scheduled for October 8, 2026.  

“The Defendant was found guilty for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and Heroin.  According to trial testimony and documents in the case, on July 24, 2025, during an initial controlled purchase outside his residence in Gary, Indiana, Wheeler sold more than 5 grams of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant acting at the direction of law enforcement.  Five days later, on July 29, 2025, during a second controlled purchase outside that residence, Wheeler sold more than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a quantity of fentanyl, and a quantity of heroin to that informant.  The jury was advised that less than an hour after the second controlled purchase concluded, officers searched Wheeler’s residence and located the money used to pay Wheeler for those drugs.  After being advised of his Miranda rights, the Defendant confessed to drug trafficking, according to trial testimony,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

The jury also found that Wheeler has a prior federal conviction for a “serious drug felony,” distribution of fentanyl, in the Northern District of Indiana for which he served more than twelve months of imprisonment and for which he was released from serving any term of imprisonment related to that offense within fifteen years of July 24 and July 29, 2025.  Based on that prior conviction, Wheeler faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years of imprisonment.  

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group, the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Valparaiso Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristian R. Mukoski and Ambris Saravanan.                      

SOUTH BEND – Laquan Broussard, 37 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Broussard was sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.

“A convicted drug dealer was the passenger in a vehicle speeding down the road and was armed with a loaded handgun with 22 rounds of ammunition in its magazine.  Officers determined that he had several felony convictions, including residential entry, dealing cocaine, and conspiring to deal controlled substances, and had no business possessing a gun.  Due to the solid work by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department with a referral from our state partners in the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office led by Ken Cotter, Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander was able to prosecute the Defendant and will service 6 years in prison followed by a year of supervised release,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the South Bend Police Department and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

HAMMOND- Romairal Allen, age 52, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.  

Allen was sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.  

“According to the Indictment, the Sin City Deciples, originally formed in 1967 in Gary, Indiana, is an outlaw motorcycle organization in which its members and associates engaged in acts of violence, extortion, and narcotics distribution in the Northern District of Indiana and elsewhere."

“The Defendant was a leader of an outlaw motorcycle organization called the Sin City Deciples and will serve six years in prison for the crime of Racketeering Conspiracy.  The organization’s members and associates have engaged in acts of violence, extortion, and narcotics distribution in the Northern District of Indiana and elsewhere since being originally formed in 1967 in Gary, Indiana.  The Defendant was the president of the Chicago Chapter in 2020 and later was promoted to a regional president overseeing all chapters in Illinois and Indiana.  During his participation in the racketeering conspiracy, he participated in multiple predicate acts of racketeering, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine and other controlled substances and the extortion of another motorcycle club in Indiana.  This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) and was brought by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael J. Toth and David J. Nozick, with extensive cooperation between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Gary Police Department, the Griffith Police Department, the Hammond Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers and agents, the Merrillville Police Department, the Munster Police Department, the Schererville Police Department, the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Kokomo Police Department,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

“The sentence in this case underscores ATF’s commitment to accountability for those who use violence and intimidation to further their crimes. The Sin City Deciples weren’t just a motorcycle club but a criminal gang that preyed on others for their own benefit. ATF and our law enforcement partners will not stop and we’ll continue to work together to dismantle criminal organizations that threaten the safety and welfare of our communities,” said ATF Chicago Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon.

"The defendant was instrumental in driving the Sin City Disciples' criminal enterprise, leading efforts that relied on violence, intimidation, drug trafficking, and extortion to enrich the organization and reinforce its criminal influence," said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O'Malley. "The FBI will continue working with our partners to identify, investigate, and dismantle violent criminal organizations and hold those who threaten our communities accountable."

The agencies involved in this prosecution were: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Gary Police Department, the Griffith Police Department, the Hammond Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers and agents, the Merrillville Police Department, the Munster Police Department, and the Schererville Police Department.   Also providing assistance were the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Kokomo Police Department.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael J. Toth and David J. Nozick.  

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Indianapolis comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, IRS, Indiana State Police, and other partners, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.                                                  

SOUTH BEND – Dex Dilan Willard, Jr., 38 years old, of Peru, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Willard was sentenced to 46 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release. Restitution is deferred until the restitution hearing on September 29, 2026.

“The Defendant will serve nearly four years in the Bureau of Prisons and five years of supervised release thereafter for possessing video portraying child sexual abuse involving a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained the age of 12 years of age.  Possession of child pornography is not a victimless crime, as a child was violated during its creation.  Possessors of such deviant material continue to harm the innocent child victim into perpetuity, so long as the porn exists and they create a deplorable black market for the evil material.  As part of Project Safe Childhood, the case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Indiana State Police and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew A. Krumwied and former Assistant United States Attorney Hannah T Jones.  Our children are safer because of their efforts,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Indiana State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew A. Krumwied and former Assistant United States Attorney Hannah T Jones. 

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

SOUTH BEND – Kayden Bell, 20 years old, of Wabash, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to making an interstate communication with a threat to injure, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Bell was sentenced to 10 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

“The Defendant’s threats to people of Jewish heritage and law enforcement were illegal and stood in direct opposition to our community’s core values.  He sought to intimidate them, and his words have earned him a trip to prison and two years of supervised release when he is finished.  Thanks to the combined efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Wabash Police Department, and the Wabash County Prosecutor’s Office led by William C. Hartley, AUSA Lydia T. Lucius was able to bring the case in federal court,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

"Threats intended to intimidate individuals because of their religion or to target law enforcement officers strike at the safety of our communities," said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “"The FBI takes all threats seriously and will aggressively pursue those who use interstate communications to intimidate, terrorize, or incite violence against others.”

According to documents in the case, between August and October of 2025, Bell posted threatening posts on social media targeting Jewish individuals and law enforcement. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Wabash Police Department and the Wabash County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.

HAMMOND, SOUTH BEND, AND FORT WAYNE- As part of the Hometown Heroes initiative celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, members of the Northern District of Indiana team conducted a gift-in-kind charity drive of clothing and household goods for area veteran’s charities.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Indiana operates out of three separate branches in Fort Wayne, South Bend, and Hammond.

The Fort Wayne Branch collected donations to benefit The Shepherd’s House, a transitional housing and clinical treatment center for homeless and formerly homeless veterans struggling with addiction and mental health challenges to help them rebuild their lives.  For more information about the Shepherd’s House, please visit https://www.shepherdshouse.org/ .

The South Bend Branch collected donations to benefit the Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center.  The Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center team works with Veterans to provide opportunities for an array of supportive services to improve Veteran’s self-sufficiency, all based on the needs of each Veteran. For more information about the Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center, please visit https://www.cfh.net/mvc .

The Hammond Branch collected donations to benefit AMVETS. AMVETS (American Veterans) is a non-partisan veterans service organization that advocates for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. They provide free VA disability claims assistance, career counseling, and community support programs, funded largely through household goods donations and thrift stores. For more information about AMVETS, please visit https://amvetspickup.com/ . 

“It is an honor for our team to support veterans as part of celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday.  Their sacrifices are a critical reason why we can enjoy our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.

###