Lorraina M. Rakes, a 24-year-old resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been sentenced to 36 months in prison. The sentence was handed down by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly Brady after Rakes pleaded guilty to the charge of providing firearms to a person she knew was a convicted felon. This announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
In addition to her prison term, Rakes will undergo three years of supervised release. According to case documents, between April 9 and April 26, 2024, Rakes sold or disposed of three firearms to an individual who could not legally purchase or possess them due to their status as a convicted felon.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistance from the Fort Wayne Police Department. The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that collaborates with various levels of law enforcement and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The program aims to enhance neighborhood safety through principles such as fostering community trust and legitimacy, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes. On May 26, 2021, the Department introduced a strategy to strengthen PSN's efforts in reducing violent crime.