United States Attorney Joseph S. Van Bokkelen

Northern District of Indiana

5400 Federal Plaza, Suite 1500

Hammond, IN 46320

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        
CONTACT: Mary L. Hatton

April 6, 2006                                                                           PHONE: (219) 937-5603

Fax: (219) 852-2770

FEDERAL GRAND JURY RETURNS FOUR INDICTMENTS

Hammond, IN—The United States Attorney's Office announced that a Grand Jury sitting in Hammond, Indiana, returned the following Indictment on April 4, 2006:

WILLIAM CHADD, age 63, of Gary, Indiana, was charged in a seven count indictment with three counts of distribution of cocaine base, to wit: crack cocaine; one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, to wit: crack; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm; and two counts of possession of marijuana. These charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the ATF/HIDTA. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Dean R. Lanter, who can be reached at 219-937-5500 for any inquiries.

JOMO K. SMITH, age 31, of Gary, Indiana, was charged with knowingly and intentionally distributing a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a schedule II controlled substance. These charges were filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and GRIT. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Nozick, who can be reached at 219-937-5500 for any inquiries.

JAMES H. GILL, age 34, of Gary, Indiana was charged with knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, commonly known as “crack” cocaine, a schedule II controlled substance. These charges were filed as a result of the investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and GRIT. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Nozick, who can be reached at 219-937-5500 for any inquiries.

GARRYL PRICE, age 24, of Chicago, Illinois was charged with possession with intent to distribute five (5) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, commonly known as “crack” cocaine. These charges were filed as the result of the investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and GRIT. This case has been assigned to and will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney David J. Nozick, who can be reached at 219-937-5500 for any inquiries.

            The specific sentence in each case to be imposed upon conviction will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

            The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

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