Detric L. Cummings, a 42-year-old resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been convicted of firearm and drug trafficking offenses. The verdict came after a four-day jury trial overseen by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady. Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay announced the conviction.
Cummings faced an indictment with eight counts in total. Before the trial commenced, he pleaded guilty to five counts related to distributing controlled substances such as methamphetamine and fentanyl. The jury found him guilty on the remaining charges, which included possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. Additionally, the jury determined that Cummings had previously committed three violent felonies on separate occasions, classifying him as an armed career criminal under federal law.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date for all counts. The specific sentence will be decided by the District Court Judge based on federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistance from several agencies including the Fort Wayne Police Department, Indiana State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and Auburn Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Lesley J. Miller Lowery and Justin C. Sheridan prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a strategy to strengthen PSN focusing on building community trust and legitimacy, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.