INDIANAPOLIS, IN – A repeat offender is headed to federal prison after a brazen display of violence and a subsequent drug bust. Corey Bussell, 42, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The sentence follows a disturbing incident where Bussell threatened a woman with a firearm and a search that revealed a significant quantity of narcotics.
The trouble began on May 8, 2021, when Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) responded to reports of shots fired at a Guilford Avenue residence. According to court documents, the victim, visiting Bussell’s wife, was confronted by Bussell wielding a handgun. He allegedly pulled back the slide of the weapon and ordered her to “get the f*** out of my house.” As the woman attempted to leave, Bussell followed her outside and discharged the firearm into the ground near the porch steps, continuing his threats, claiming he would “pop” her if she didn’t comply.
Just days later, on May 13, 2021, IMPD officers conducted a traffic stop on Bussell near the scene of the initial incident. A search of the vehicle uncovered a fully loaded Glock handgun with an extended magazine – a weapon that had been reported stolen on March 13, 2021. A subsequent SWAT team raid on Bussell’s home yielded 57.4 grams of fentanyl, 5.39 grams of cocaine, and marijuana found in a backpack.
Bussell’s criminal history is extensive, a laundry list of felony convictions that include resisting law enforcement, narcotics possession, robbery, tampering with handgun identification, carrying a handgun without a license, dealing in a sawed-off shotgun, and three prior convictions for illegal firearm possession by a serious violent felon. This history permanently barred him from possessing any firearms. The case was investigated jointly by IMPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“This defendant poses an extreme danger to our community, as shown by his lengthy criminal history and willingness to engage in gun violence,” stated Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Not only did he use a firearm to threaten an innocent woman, but he was also responsible for pushing deadly poisons into our communities.” Myers added that the 7-year sentence, handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt, was a necessary step to protect the public.
Judge Pratt also ordered four years of supervised release following Bussell’s prison term, along with a $500 fine. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle P. Brady and Samantha Spiro. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative focused on reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN strategy in May 2021, emphasizing community trust, prevention, strategic enforcement, and measurable results.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Press Release
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