A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Indiana has returned a 17-count indictment against DeCarlos L. Smallwood, Robert Sanders, Kumar Bishop, Sanena Williams, and DeCarlos C. Smallwood. The charges include drug trafficking, money laundering, and firearms offenses connected to methamphetamine distribution in South Bend, Indiana. Additionally, DeCarlos L. Smallwood is accused of attempting to kill a federal official during his arrest and the search of his residence on November 6, 2025.
“Through this indictment, the grand jury has alleged that the defendants have committed exceedingly serious crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney M. Scott Proctor. “My office bears the burden of proving that the defendants are guilty of these charges. Meanwhile, I would like to remind the public of two things. First, the defendants are entitled to a fair trial and are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. And second, any credible allegation of attempted or actual violence against a federal agent will be pursued and, if appropriate, prosecuted by this office to the fullest extent of the law.”
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chip Cooke commented on law enforcement’s commitment: “The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) remains committed to the disruption, dismantlement, and destruction of drug trafficking organizations that are threats to our communities and nation,” he said. “Violent drug trafficking organizations are an even worse threat. In this investigation, the collaborative effort among DEA and its law enforcement partners, which includes the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana, led the grand jury to return an indictment that should serve as a powerful sign to anyone seeking to bring violence and drug distribution to north central Indiana: You will be investigated, charged, and prosecuted.”
Authorities emphasized that indictments are not evidence of guilt; all defendants remain presumed innocent until proven otherwise at trial.
The case is under investigation by several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Indiana State Police (ISP), South Bend Police Department (SBPD), St. Joseph County Police Department (SJCPD), and Mishawaka Police Department (MPD). Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius is leading prosecution efforts.
This prosecution falls under the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159—Protecting the American People Against Invasion—which aims for coordinated action against criminal cartels and transnational crime within U.S. borders through interagency cooperation.
