Defendant Faces 18 Months in Prison for Felon in Possession of Firearm

HAMMOND, IN – Antonio Joel Ortiz, 25, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

On August 1, 2022, Ortiz was in possession of a loaded firearm while committing a theft. When law enforcement approached, he threw the firearm over a gate, but officers were able to recover it along with the loaded magazine.

Ortiz’s prior felony convictions for criminal recklessness and burglary make him prohibited from possessing a firearm. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced accordingly.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force and the Hammond Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Patrick D. Grindlay prosecuted the case.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together law enforcement and the community to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The program is based on four core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

Ortiz’s sentence includes 18 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. His crime is a stark reminder of the consequences of committing violent crimes while in possession of a firearm.

The case highlights the importance of law enforcement working together to keep communities safe. The sentence sent a clear message that violent crime will not be tolerated.

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