Aguila Binion, a 48-year-old resident of South Bend, Indiana, was found guilty by a jury on October 30, 2025. The charges included being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The trial lasted two days and was overseen by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco, according to Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.
Sentencing for Binion is set for February 19, 2026, at 1:30 PM.
The investigation into the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The South Bend Police Department and the St. Joseph County Police Department provided assistance during the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Joel Gabrielse and Luke N. Reilander prosecuted the case.
The prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that coordinates efforts among law enforcement agencies and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. According to the press release: "On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results."
