United States Attorney David Capp

Northern District of Indiana

M01-204 S. Main Street

South Bend, IN 46601

Hammond                                                 South Bend                                               Fort Wayne

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         CONTACT: Mary L. Hatton May 14, 2010                                                                                     PHONE: (219) 937-5603 www.usdoj.gov/usao/inn/                                                                   Fax: (219) 852-2770ACTIVITY IN FEDERAL COURT - SOUTH BEND

South Bend, IN—The United States Attorney's Office announced:Peggy Ann Campbell, 56, of Elkhart, Indiana, plead guilty on 5/12/10 before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to counts 1 and 3 of an indictment charging her with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. During a search of her residence, officers found a .22 caliber Stevens rifle, 126.4 grams of marijuana, two (2) digital scales, eight (8) smoking devices, two (2) marijuana grinders, one (1) rolling device, and plastic bags. Ms. Campbell admitted to officers that the rifle belonged to her. Campbell has prior felony convictions for Welfare Fraud, Possession of Marijuana, and Neglect of a Dependant. Sentencing has been set for August 12, 2010. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Matthew Watson, 28, of Elkart, Indiana, plead guilty on 5/12/10 before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to count 1 of an indictment charging him with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Watson was previously convicted of felony crimes, including burglary convictions in 1999, 2005, and 2006 in Carroll, St. Joseph, and Dekalb counties. Sentencing has been set for August 12, 2010. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid.

Luis Benitez, 31, of Warsaw, Indiana, plead guilty on 5/13/10 before Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein to count 2 of a superseding indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine over 50 grams. Sentencing has been set for August 17, 2010. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Schaffer.

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.