Charles R. Byers, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Indiana 2024

FORT WAYNE, IN – Lajuane Broadus, 48, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is facing a long stretch behind bars after receiving a 200-month prison sentence for a multi-drug operation and illegal firearm possession. Chief Judge Holly A. Brady of the United States District Court handed down the sentence following Broadus’s guilty plea, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.

Broadus wasn’t slinging nickel bags. The feds say he was distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine throughout June and September of 2024. This wasn’t some amateur hour operation; it was a full-blown trafficking scheme. The bust came after authorities executed a search warrant at Broadus’s residence, uncovering a veritable arsenal of illegal goodies.

The search wasn’t just about powder and pills. Cops seized methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, but also three firearms, a significant cache of ammunition, bulletproof body armor, and a hefty pile of U.S. currency – the fruits of a dirty business. As a convicted felon, Broadus was already legally barred from owning guns, making his possession of these weapons an additional, serious charge.

Prosecutors successfully argued that Broadus wasn’t just dealing drugs; he was using the firearms *to further* his drug trafficking operation. That’s a game-changer, adding years to his sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Justin C. Sheridan skillfully built the case, presenting the evidence that led to the guilty plea and subsequent lengthy sentence.

The investigation was spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with crucial support from the Fort Wayne Police Department. This wasn’t a solo act; it was a coordinated effort to get a dangerous criminal off the streets. This case also falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence nationwide.

PSN isn’t just about arrests and convictions. It’s about building trust with communities, supporting grassroots violence prevention programs, and focusing enforcement efforts where they’re needed most. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN strategy in May 2021, emphasizing these core principles. Broadus will also face five years of supervised release after completing his 200-month sentence, ensuring continued monitoring of his activities.