South Bend man convicted of illegally possessing a machinegun after federal jury trial

South Bend, Indiana – A South Bend man has been convicted on a serious federal firearms charge following a jury trial in Indiana, according to federal prosecutors. The verdict brings the case closer to sentencing as authorities continue to stress the role of coordinated law enforcement efforts in addressing gun-related crime.

Octavius Wentland, 22, of South Bend, Indiana, was found guilty of illegal possession of a machinegun after a two-day jury trial in federal court. The trial was presided over by Cristal C. Brisco, and the conviction was announced by Adam L. Mildred, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana.

Sentencing in the case has been scheduled for May 20, 2026, when Wentland will learn the punishment tied to the federal conviction.

Federal and local agencies worked jointly on the case

The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the South Bend Police Department. Prosecutors said the cooperation between federal and local authorities was key in building the case presented to the jury.

The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Joel Gabrielse and Luke N. Reilander, who presented evidence showing Wentland’s unlawful possession of a machinegun, a weapon that is strictly regulated under federal law.

Officials noted that the case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods, commonly known as PSN. The program brings together law enforcement agencies at every level along with community partners to reduce violent crime and gun violence while improving public safety.

Federal officials said PSN focuses on several core principles, including building trust between police and communities, supporting community-based groups that work to prevent violence before it happens, setting clear and strategic enforcement priorities, and closely measuring results. In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched a strengthened violent crime reduction strategy under PSN that continues to guide prosecutions like this one.

Prosecutors emphasized that the conviction reflects an ongoing commitment to holding individuals accountable for serious gun offenses and keeping dangerous weapons out of communities.