South Bend man sentenced to 16 years for drug, weapons charges

A South Bend man was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the US Attorney's Office.

Kinds was sentenced to 16 years in prison and 2 years probation.

“Mr. Kinds, a felon with multiple prior convictions, will serve 16 years in prison for his guilty plea to possessing over 500 grams of methamphetamine and possessing firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L Kirsch II. “Possession of a firearm by a felon or during the commission of other crimes is dangerous and intolerable. My Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to focus on these type of offenses as part of our Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy in South Bend.”

In September 2019, investigators searched Kinds' home and storage units. They recovered over 2 kilos of methamphetamine, over 80 grams of heroin, nearly $17,500 in cash and over 35 firearms, according to the US Attorney's Office.

“The collaborative investigation and prosecution of this habitual offender is a prime example of the partnerships in which ATF takes great pride,” remarked the ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division Kristen de Tineo. “ATF will continue to investigate those who illegally possess firearms and we thank our partners for their significant role in this particular investigation.”