INDIANAPOLIS, IN – James Hoskins, 41, of Indianapolis, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 3 years and ten months for illegally possessing a firearm, a charge stemming from a violent domestic dispute. The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge Magnus Stinson, underscores the federal commitment to disarming abusers with prior criminal records.
The case unfolded on June 20, 2022, when Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers responded to a frantic call regarding a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, Hoskins readily admitted to being a convicted felon and acknowledged a firearm was present in the home – his firearm. The situation quickly escalated, revealing a pattern of abuse against his wife. According to court documents, the dispute ignited when she informed Hoskins she wanted to end the relationship.
The wife detailed a harrowing assault: Hoskins allegedly smashed her glasses, forced her against a mirror, strangled her, and repeatedly struck her. Then, in a chilling display of control, he allegedly brandished the 9mm pistol, cocking it in front of her. Hoskins initially denied any physical violence to police, claiming his wife simply fell and injured herself. However, a second interview with the wife confirmed the threats and led officers to the location of Hoskins’ handgun.
Hoskins later conceded to a “tussle” with his wife, admitting he pressed his forearm against her collarbone. Judge Stinson found that Hoskins’ possession of the handgun was directly linked to the domestic violence felony committed against his wife. This isn’t a first for Hoskins, who boasts a lengthy criminal history with five prior felony convictions, all of which legally barred him from owning a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers of the Southern District of Indiana stated the office is prioritizing prosecutions of domestic abusers due to the lethal danger they pose. The case was prosecuted under the LEATH Initiative – a collaborative effort between the ATF, IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, named in honor of fallen IMPD Officer Breann Leath, killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call. ATF Special Agent in Charge Daryl S. McCormick emphasized the importance of removing firearms from the hands of abusers to protect communities.
Following his prison sentence, Hoskins will face three years of supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Fugate led the prosecution. The ATF investigated the case, highlighting the agency’s ongoing commitment to combating firearm-related violence, particularly within the context of domestic abuse. The LEATH Initiative will continue its efforts to use law enforcement resources to save lives impacted by domestic violence.
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