SOUTH BEND – The grim streets of South Bend were rocked as James E. Burch II, a 38-year-old repeat offender from the city, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for illegal firearm possession. United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco imposed the sentence after Burch pleaded guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor announced the stiff penalty, which is accompanied by 2 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. The evidence against Burch, as documented in the case files, paints a chilling picture. In August 2024, police were called to a residence where they discovered Burch pointing a .357 caliber revolver. Upon their arrival, they seized the firearm and apprehended Burch.
Burch’s criminal history is no stranger to felony convictions, with three prior felonies making him ineligible for the firearm he possessed in this case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation into this incident, receiving valuable assistance from the South Bend Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse prosecuted the case, which was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. PSN brings together all levels of law enforcement with community members to create safer neighborhoods for everyone.
The sentencing of Burch marks yet another victory for PSN, which has been strengthened since its launch on May 26, 2021. The program focuses on fostering trust in communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, strategic law enforcement priorities, and measuring results to ensure effectiveness.
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Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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