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

                  219/937-5500

Contact Person: Philip C. Benson

                 Assistant United States Attorney

PRESS RELEASE

DEFENDANT SENTENCED DAVID SANTANA was sentenced today to 93 months imprisonment by United States District Court Judge James T. Moody. Santana, age 25, of Gary, Indiana, pled guilty to all counts of the indictment on May 27, 2003. Count 1 charged distribution of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); Count 2 charged possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code Section 841(a)(1); Count 3 charged carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Sections 924(c); and Count 4 charged assault on a federal officer causing bodily injury, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 111(b).

          On November 19, 2002, Gary Response Investigative Team Task Force Agents engaged in an undercover purchase of powder cocaine from Santana. Santana delivered approximately one ounce of powder cocaine for $800. While attempting to deliver 4 ounces of powder cocaine the following day, Santana was arrested by GRIT Task Force Agents. While attempting to flee, Santana’s vehicle struck a GRIT Task Force Agent’s vehicle. Additionally, Santana broke one of the arresting officer’s arm while attempting to flee the area.

          The case was investigated by the Gary Response Investigative Team and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip C. Benson.    

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