Gary Man Sentenced To 96 Months Imprisonment For Distribution of Heroin

 HAMMOND-Terrence Ballard, 60, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Theresa L. Springmann to 96 months in prison following his guilty plea to distribution of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.    

According to documents in the case, on April 24, 2019, and May 2, 2019, Ballard distributed heroin in Gary, Indiana, while on federal supervised release for a prior heroin distribution conviction.  Ballard has four prior felony convictions, including two prior federal convictions for distribution of heroin, one prior conviction for dealing a controlled substance, and one prior conviction for carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.    

DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon said, “The 8 year sentencing of Mr. Ballard was just and necessary for the fine citizens of Gary and our surrounding communities.  Individuals like Mr. Ballard must be held accountable for their actions, especially when they are dealing debilitating drugs, such as heroin, while on federal supervised release.  The DEA Merrillville Resident Office is committed to working with our other federal, state, and local partners to investigate and arrest drug traffickers and keep our communities safe.  The DEA appreciates the exceptional work, by all involved, to bring Mr. Ballard to justice.”

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration/HIDTA Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.