South Bend man sentenced to six years in federal prison for fentanyl trafficking and drug distribution

South Bend, Indiana – A South Bend man will spend years behind bars after federal authorities uncovered drugs, firearms, and large amounts of cash inside his home, marking the conclusion of a case tied to dangerous narcotics trafficking in northern Indiana.

Jaron Williams, 44, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, and a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Williams received a sentence of 72 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release.

Drug Sales and Search Warrant Discovery

According to court documents, Williams sold fentanyl to another person on two occasions during the fall of 2024. The transactions raised concerns among investigators because fentanyl is an extremely potent opioid often linked to fatal overdoses.

The investigation intensified in December 2024, when law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Williams’ residence. During the search, officers recovered cocaine, fentanyl powder, and methamphetamine, confirming the presence of multiple controlled substances intended for distribution.

Authorities also discovered a significant cache of weapons and cash inside the home. Officers recovered four handguns, a shotgun, and more than $64,000 in cash, items often associated with narcotics trafficking operations.

Multi-Agency Investigation

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Additional assistance was provided by the St. Joseph County Police Department, the South Bend Police Department, the Michigan City Police Department, and the Indiana State Police.

Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius prosecuted the case on behalf of the federal government.

Federal officials continue to emphasize the serious danger posed by fentanyl and other illicit drugs circulating in communities. Law enforcement agencies say partnerships across local, state, and federal levels remain essential in identifying traffickers, disrupting distribution networks, and preventing potentially deadly substances from reaching the public.

The sentence imposed reflects the severity of the crimes and the risk these drugs pose to public health and safety, particularly as fentanyl continues to drive overdose deaths across the nation.