Gary Man Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm

HAMMOND- Kenneth James Talbert, 38 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Talbert was sentenced to 36 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, on July 24, 2024, Talbert was pulled over by the Gary Police Department for a traffic violation. During the stop it was discovered Talbert had an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Gary City Court. During an inventory search of his vehicle officers found a Glock 19 9mm semi-automatic pistol loaded with a 30-round extended magazine under the driver's seat, as well as an additional 15-round magazine in the vehicle. Talbert has prior felony convictions for battery, theft, felon in possession of a firearm, and serious violent felon in possession of a firearm, which prohibits him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

"When convicted felons-especially those with a history of violence or repeated weapons offenses-choose to illegally possess firearms, they present a direct threat to public safety. Kenneth Talbert actions demonstrated his blatant and dangerous disregard for the law and safety of our community. The U.S. Attorney's Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively prosecute repeat offenders who jeopardize the safety of our neighborhoods. We are committed to removing both illegal guns and dangerous individuals from our streets," said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Indiana, with assistance from the Gary Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Toth.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice's nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys' offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department's commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump's Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

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