A Crown Point
resident has pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting murder resulting from the
use and carrying of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, the U.S.
Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana is reporting.
Jerome Sims, 54,
pleaded guilty to that charge.
“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,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. “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.