Steven Lerma, III, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Indiana 2026

In a move to crack down on gun violence, 25-year-old Steven Lerma, III, of Elkhart, Indiana, has been sentenced to 60 months in prison for being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition. The harsh sentence was handed down by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco.

According to court documents, Lerma was found in possession of a handgun with an extended magazine that held a staggering 32 rounds of ammunition. However, what made this discovery even more alarming is that Lerma had previously been convicted of felony theft of a firearm and felony domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury. This history of violent crimes made him a prime target for law enforcement, and he was subsequently prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The investigation into Lerma’s case was a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Elkhart Police Department, and the Goshen Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Katelan McKenzie Doyle was instrumental in prosecuting the case, which has been hailed as a significant victory in the fight against gun violence.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities across the country. Launched in 2021, PSN brings together law enforcement and community leaders to foster trust and legitimacy, support community-based organizations, and set strategic enforcement priorities.

Lerma’s sentence serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violating the law. With 60 months in prison followed by 18 months of supervised release, Lerma will have ample time to reflect on his mistakes. The community can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that one more violent individual is off the streets.

The Elkhart community can take pride in the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies, who continue to work tirelessly to keep the public safe. This case is a testament to their dedication and commitment to justice.

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