United States Drug Enforcement Administration

HAMMOND, Ind. - Alfred "Chip" Cooke III, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration – Merrillville, Indiana, and M. Scott Proctor, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, announced a 17-count indictment charging DeCarlos L. Smallwood, Robert Sanders, Kumar Bishop, Sanena Williams, and DeCarlos C. Smallwood with various drug, money laundering, and/or firearm offenses related to the distribution of methamphetamine in South Bend, Indiana. 

The indictment also charges DeCarlos L. Smallwood with attempting to kill a federal official engaged in the performance of federal duties on Nov. 6, 2025, the date on which federal agents arrested him and searched his residence. 

“Through this indictment, the grand jury has alleged that the defendants have committed exceedingly serious crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney M. Scott Proctor. “My office bears the burden of proving that the defendants are guilty of these charges. Meanwhile, I would like to remind the public of two things. First, the defendants are entitled to a fair trial and are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. And second, any credible allegation of attempted or actual violence against a federal agent will be pursued and, if appropriate, prosecuted by this office to the fullest extent of the law.”

“The Drug Enforcement Administration remains committed to the disruption, dismantlement, and destruction of drug trafficking organizations that are threats to our communities and nation,” said DEA ASAC Cooke. “Violent drug trafficking organizations are an even worse threat. In this investigation, the collaborative effort among DEA and its law enforcement partners, which includes the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana, led the grand jury to return an indictment that should serve as a powerful sign to anyone seeking to bring violence and drug distribution to north central Indiana: You will be investigated, charged, and prosecuted.”

Again, the public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

This case is being investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Postal Inspection Service, Indiana State Police, South Bend Police Department, St. Joseph County Police Department, and Mishawaka Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.