Michigan City Man Sentenced for Possessing Firearm as Convicted Felon

A convicted felon with a history of violence has been sentenced to 100 months in prison for possessing a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

Sergio Gamez, 33, of Michigan City, Indiana, pleaded guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon handed down the sentence, which includes two years of supervised release.

According to court documents, at the time of the incident, Gamez was aware of his multiple prior felony convictions, which prohibited him from possessing a firearm.

The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, the Hammond Police Department, and the Highland Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through community-based initiatives and focused enforcement priorities.

Project Safe Neighborhoods was launched in 2001 as a comprehensive national strategy to reduce gun violence and gang violence by networking local and federal law enforcement agencies with community-based organizations.

The PSN strategy focuses on fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.