Edwardo Trevino, a 43-year-old resident of LaPorte, Indiana, was sentenced on Mar. 19 to 100 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after being convicted of methamphetamine distribution, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was handed down by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco following a jury trial.
The case highlights ongoing efforts to address drug and gun crimes in the region. Authorities say that collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies played an important role in the investigation and prosecution.
According to court documents, Trevino sold methamphetamine on one occasion and was later found as a passenger in a vehicle stopped by police. Officers discovered a backpack containing methamphetamine, packaging materials, Trevino’s identification card, and a loaded pistol on the floorboard where he sat. Because of his prior felony conviction for residential entry, Trevino is prohibited from possessing firearms.
United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred said: “This case is an example of how collaboration between state, local, and federal law enforcement can achieve the most effective available response to drug and gun offenses. We thank LaPorte County Prosecuting Attorney Sean Fagan and his office, along with the agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the LaPorte County Drug Task Force, the Michigan City Police Department, and the Indiana State Police Laboratory Division, for partnering with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to help make Hoosiers safer to live, work, and raise their families. Due to their efforts, a repeat felon who was intending to poison our community with methamphetamine while armed with a handgun will serve 8 years followed by three years of community supervision.”
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chip Cooke said: “The Drug Enforcement Administration, along with its law enforcement partners, will continue to hold accountable those who choose drug trafficking, violent crime, and the poisoning of Hoosiers over civility and decency. There is no room in northern Indiana for the cruelty and evilness of drug traffickers. Mr. Trevino will be out of society for a long time, and we will be a safer and healthier northern Indiana because of it.”
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), LaPorte County Drug Task Force, Michigan City Police Department; Indiana State Police Laboratory Division; as well as support from LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which brings together law enforcement at all levels along with communities they serve aiming at reducing violent crime—especially gun violence—and improving neighborhood safety.
