Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Man Pleads Guilty to Aiding and Abetting Murder Resulting from use of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime
HAMMOND- Jerome Sims, 54, of Crown Point, Indiana, pled guilty to aiding and abetting murder resulting from the use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, Jerome Sims and members of the Two Six gang were involved in a conspiracy to possess and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Sims knew Julio Cartagena owed a drug debt to Jesus Fuentes, a Two Six gang member, and members of his drug trafficking enterprise. Sims agreed to help Fuentes and his associates kidnap Julio Cartagena, so Fuentes could recover his lost money and drugs. On May 16, 2003, Sims made plans with Cartagena to meet at a specified location, and Sims informed Fuentes and his associates of the time and place of the meeting. Fuentes’ associates, while armed with firearms, attempted to kidnap Cartagena, and ended up shooting and killing him.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the East Chicago Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Nozick and Caitlin M. Padula.
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