DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Northern District of Indiana

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Thomas L Kirsch II
, United States Attorney
Contact: Ryan Holmes

Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison

For Possession With Intent To Distribute A Controlled Substance And Being A Felon In Possession of Firearms

FORT WAYNE-Maurice Sewell, age 39, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Holly A. Brady after his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch. 

Sewell was sentenced to 188 months in prison followed by 6 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, in November 2016, Sewell possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute it.  Sewell also possessed three firearms after having prior felony convictions in the Allen County Superior Court.  Sewell had been previously convicted of dealing cocaine or a narcotic drug in both 2001 and 2012.  He also had a prior felony conviction for a 2007 residential entry and strangulation.  

“As the Court indicated today, Sewell’s long criminal history and recent conduct of illegally possessing firearms and illegal drugs led to the lengthy jail sentence the Court imposed today,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.  “My Office has always aggressively prosecuted felons who possess firearms and will continue to work with federal, state and local law enforcement partners in these type of cases.”

“I commend the United States Attorney’s Office and Fort Wayne Police Department for their partnership in investigating and prosecuting this individual,” commented ATF Special Agent in Charge Kristen de Tineo of the Chicago Field Division. “Holding those who illegally possess firearms accountable is important to the safety of the whole community.”

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department.  This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith. 

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Chicago Field Division