Larry Harris, Jr. Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon, Indiana 2013

Grimy Times Investigates: South Bend, IN – In a recent string of convictions, Larry Harris, Jr., 25, of South Bend, Indiana, has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to a US Attorney’s Office press release, Harris was charged after an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid is prosecuting the case, with sentencing set for June 5, 2013.

The charges stem from an investigation into Harris’ possession of a firearm, which is a felony offense for a convicted felon. Harris’ guilty plea was accepted by Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein, but parties have 10 days to object to the recommendation. The case is part of a larger effort by law enforcement to combat gun violence and gang activity in the South Bend area.

Harris is not the only defendant in recent weeks to face charges in federal court. Aurelio Guerra, 46, of Weslaco, Texas, has also pleaded guilty to distribution of marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Guerra’s charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Laporte County prosecutor’s office, and the ICE unit for Elkhart County. Assistant United States Attorney William Grimmer is prosecuting the case, with sentencing set for June 21, 2013.

Additionally, two men have been sentenced in federal court for crimes unrelated to Harris’ case. Willie Caldwell, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Caldwell’s charges stemmed from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the South Bend Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid prosecuted the case.

Oliver Collins, 49, of Key West, Florida, was sentenced to 2 years of supervised release, 6 months of location monitoring on home detention, and restitution of $32,542 for theft from a program receiving federal funds. Collins’ charges were the result of an investigation by the National Science Foundation. Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer prosecuted the case.

The US Attorney’s Office has been working to combat crime in the South Bend area, and these recent convictions are a significant step in that effort. The cases highlight the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the need for strict penalties for those who break the law. As Grimy Times continues to investigate and report on crime in the South Bend area, we will keep a close eye on these cases and others like them.

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