U.S. Department of Justice

                                                                                    United States Attorney

                                                                                    Northern District of Indiana

                                                                                                                              5400 Federal Plaza, Suite 1500                                                (219) 937- 5500

                                                                                                                              Hammond, Indiana 46320                                          FAX: (219) 852- 2770

TTD: (219) 933- 1250

                                                                                                    April 19, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Released By: Joseph S. Van Bokkelen

                  United States Attorney

                  Northern District of Indiana

                  5400 Federal Plaza, Suite 1500

                 Hammond, Indiana 46320 

Contact Person: Lovita Morris King

                  Assistant United States Attorney

                  Telephone: 260/422-2595

PRESS RELEASE

                                                            DEFENDANT CONVICTED

            James Allen Drake was convicted yesterday after a 2-day trial of the single-count indictment charging him with a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm (.357 revolver), which occurred on or about August 27, 2002.

            Drake, age 30, of Marion, Indiana, who had been twice convicted of state drug dealing charges out of Grant County, Indiana, testified in his own defense. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, became involved in the investigation some time after mid August 2003. A criminal complaint was filed against Drake in October 2003. Drake was indicted in November 2003. Drake made his initial appearance on the indictment on December 1, 2003. In August, 2004, after considering briefs by the parties, Judge Theresa L. Springmann denied Drake's motion to suppress. Drake, who was arrested on the indictment, has been in custody since that time.

            This case was investigated by ATF, Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Grant County Jean Team Drug Task Force and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lovita Morris King. 

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