Henry Underwood, Gun Possession, Fort Wayne IN, 2023

FORT WAYNE, IN – Henry Underwood, 29, of Fort Wayne, is headed to federal prison for over eight years after a jury convicted him of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady handed down the 102-month sentence, followed by three years of supervised release.

The case stems from a December 2019 incident where Fort Wayne Police responded to reports of gunfire – a clear case of vandalism by shooting. Shortly after the complaint, officers pulled over a vehicle containing Underwood. Inside, they found a loaded 9mm pistol, complete with an extended magazine. Investigators didn’t have to look far for corroborating evidence.

A social media video surfaced, showing Underwood earlier that same day handling a loaded, extended magazine strikingly similar to the one recovered from the vehicle. He was even wearing the same clothes as when he was stopped by police. The video sealed his fate, connecting him directly to the weapon. This wasn’t Underwood’s first brush with the law; he’s racked up multiple prior felony convictions, legally barring him from owning any firearms or ammunition.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation, with crucial assistance from the Fort Wayne Police Department and the Indiana State Police laboratory. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey R. Speith and Anthony W. Geller prosecuted the case, building a solid case that convinced the jury of Underwood’s guilt. The ATF’s work underscores their commitment to keeping illegal weapons off the streets.

Federal officials are framing Underwood’s sentencing as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by uniting law enforcement at all levels with the communities they serve. The program focuses on building trust, supporting community organizations, prioritizing strategic enforcement, and, crucially, measuring results. Whether PSN will truly make a dent in Fort Wayne’s crime rate remains to be seen.

Underwood’s case is a stark reminder that possessing a firearm with a criminal record carries serious consequences. With the ATF and local police working together, those who choose to flout the law will face the full weight of the federal justice system. The Chicago Field Division of the ATF oversaw the investigation, adding another layer of federal oversight to the case.

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