Shauntay Wade, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Indiana 2024

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Another convicted felon is off the streets thanks to a federal conviction, but questions remain about how Wade, 43, of Niles, Michigan, was able to obtain a firearm in the first place. Shauntay Wade was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon following a three-day jury trial that concluded this week in U.S. District Court. Senior Judge Jon E. DeGuilio presided over the proceedings.

The case, investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), alongside the Mishawaka Police Department and the Indiana State Police Laboratory, paints a familiar picture: a repeat offender violating federal law. Details surrounding the initial discovery of the firearm remain scarce, with authorities offering little insight into where or how Wade came into possession of the weapon. This lack of transparency fuels concerns about illegal gun trafficking networks operating in the region.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hannah T Jones and Katelan McKenzie Doyle successfully argued that Wade’s prior felony conviction disqualified him from legally owning a firearm. While the specific nature of that prior conviction hasn’t been released, the charge carries significant weight, demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to keeping guns out of the hands of those deemed a risk to public safety. Whether that commitment translates to proactive prevention, or merely reactive prosecution, is a debate for another day.

U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced the guilty verdict, framing the case as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN) initiative. PSN, a long-running program, aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and local communities. However, critics argue that PSN often relies heavily on enforcement without addressing the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to crime.

Wade is now facing sentencing on June 13. The judge will consider federal statutes and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines when determining the appropriate punishment. Given the severity of the charge and Wade’s criminal history, a substantial prison term is likely. But for the residents of Niles, Michigan, and the surrounding areas, the question isn’t just about punishment, but about preventing the next Shauntay Wade from picking up a gun.

The Department of Justice launched a renewed focus on PSN in May 2021, emphasizing trust-building, community support, and strategic enforcement. Whether these efforts will yield tangible results remains to be seen. For now, the conviction of Shauntay Wade serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against gun violence and the challenges of keeping communities safe.

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