Week in Review—Hammond

HAMMOND, IN—The United States Attorney’s Office announced the following:

Pleas

Jacquelyn Drago-Hunter, 61, of Merrillville, Indiana, pled guilty before Judge Rudy Lozano to the felony offense of wire fraud in the case U.S. v Haymon et al. Sentencing has been set for 4/19/12. These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Bell.

Jermaine Jackson, 29, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty before Judge Lozano to the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. In August 2011, the FBI’s GRIT Task Force executed a search warrant on Jackson’s residence in Gary, after which 5.2 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 1.5 kilograms of marijuana, a twelve gauge shotgun, 12 gauge and nine millimeter ammunition, a digital scale, and over $300 in cash were recovered. In his plea agreement, Jackson agreed that he is responsible for distribution of at least 28 grams of crack but not more than 112 grams of crack. Jackson has two prior felony convictions for dealing cocaine. Sentencing has been set for April 11, 2012. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.

The specific sentence in each case to be imposed upon conviction will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Dispositions

Hugo Gracia, 47, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 37 months’ imprisonment, a fine of $1000, and three years of supervised release if not deported after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute cocaine in the case U.S. v Maldonado et al. This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration HIDTA Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang-Adiga.

Enrique Gonzalez, 26, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by Judge Van Bokkelen to 24 months’ imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release following his felony conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon. In June 2011, the Hammond Police performed a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Gonzalez after responding to a shots fired call. A loaded revolver containing live rounds and one spent shell casing was recovered from the vehicle. Gonzalez was driving on a suspended license at the time and on bond for an unrelated driving while suspended charge. The firearm was determined to have been stolen. Gonzalez has prior felony convictions for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated driving under the influence. Gonzalez also has prior misdemeanor convictions for battery/obstructing a police officer, driving while under the influence, and driving while suspended. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives/HIDTA Task Force and Hammond Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter.