Fort Wayne man convicted of firearm and drug trafficking offenses

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Fort Wayne man convicted of firearm and drug trafficking offenses

Clifford D. Johnson, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana

Detric L. Cummings, a 42-year-old resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been convicted of firearm and drug trafficking offenses. The conviction followed a four-day jury trial overseen by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady, as announced by Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

Cummings faced an indictment with eight counts. Before the trial commenced, he pleaded guilty to five counts related to distributing controlled substances such as methamphetamine and fentanyl. The jury found him guilty on the remaining charges: possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. Additionally, the jury determined that Cummings had previously committed three violent felonies on separate occasions, classifying him as an armed career criminal under federal law.

A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date for all counts. The specific sentence will be determined by the District Court Judge after considering federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with support from several agencies including the Fort Wayne Police Department, Indiana State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and Auburn Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Lesley J. Miller Lowery and Justin C. Sheridan prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement at all levels and community members. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a strategy to strengthen PSN based on principles like fostering trust in communities and supporting organizations that prevent violence.