ATF Chicago

Official Twitter account for ATF's Chicago Field Division, covering the State of Illinois and Northern Indiana.

[ATF Chicago @ATF_Chicago]

ATF Chicago Field Division is proud to share our investigative highlights from 2025.

READ MORE: https://t.co/rw1FK140Rn

This work was made possible through the close collaboration and dedication of our federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial partners.
@ATFHQ @TheJusticeDept

[ATF Chicago @ATF_Chicago]

ATF has responded to an incident near I-290 and Mannheim Road in Westchester, Illinois. The incident remains under investigation, and no additional details are available at this time. All media inquiries should be directed to the Illinois State Police.

[U.S. Attorney’s Office (NDIL) @NDILnews]

U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros was honored to present the "Hometown Hero" award to ATF Chicago Field Division Special Agent Adam Fitzgerald. This award recognizes individuals whose leadership and dedication have made a tremendous impact on the community and public safety. @ATF_Chicago

[U.S. Attorney NDIN @USAO_NDIN]

The Justice Department just announced the Model Cities Initiative which will grant funds to 2-4 cities with a population of 100k or more who are committed to a whole-of-government partnership to reduce violent crime, restore law and order, and modernize their public safety infrastructure. @TheJusticeDept

Under @POTUS’s leadership, our office is committed to delivering results and we encourage our public safety partners to apply before September 1st: https://t.co/NuMv80BnH2

Read more 🔗: https://t.co/gkY3Kl2B6T

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

Ever considered becoming a federal agent? Now is the time to join!

New agents qualify for up to a $60,000 signing bonus and experienced law enforcement professionals can receive up to $25,000 to transfer. Tackle violent crime involving firearms, arson, and explosives. Enjoy full case ownership from scene to courtroom plus elite opportunities in specialized skills like Certified Fire Investigator, Bomb Technician, or K-9 Handler. Learn more at https://t.co/MkIBtp5pTV. #ATFJobs

[ATF Chicago @ATF_Chicago]

CASE UPDATE: Kentro Taylor, 52, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and five years supervised release after unlawfully possessing firearms in two separate incidents: one following a traffic stop in Illinois and the other following a vehicle crash in Baton Rouge. As a convicted felon, Taylor was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Read more here: https://t.co/A4nruXR3cm

@ATFNewOrleans @ATFHQ

[ATF Chicago @ATF_Chicago]

CASE UPDATE: Gerald Pittman, 39, of Chicago, IL was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a loaded handgun on a CTA Blue Line train while on court-supervised release for a prior drug trafficking conviction. On July 28, 2025, Pittman was arrested aboard a CTA Blue Line train while drinking an alcoholic beverage, smoking, and holding a shopping bag that contained a loaded handgun. As a convicted felon, Pittman was prohibited from possessing a firearm. The sentence also includes an additional six months for violating the terms of his court-supervised release. Read more here: https://t.co/0Zs0M9oFdS

@Chicago_Police @NDILnews

[ATF Chicago @ATF_Chicago]

CASE UPDATE: Justin Ring, 37, of Hobart, IN was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to drug trafficking and firearm offenses. During a January 2025 traffic stop, Ring was found with methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and a handgun. Additional narcotics and another firearm were later recovered from his hotel room. Ring was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions. Read more here: https://t.co/9xokAH7QkU

@USAO_NDIN @DEACHICAGODiv

[The Cook County State's Attorney's Office @cookcountysao]

First meeting in the books for the CCSAO-led Regional Transit Task Force.

Each month, law enforcement and transit partners will work together to share information and evaluate trends to strengthen prosecutions of transit-related crime.

[U.S. Department of Justice @TheJusticeDept]

This Memorial Day, the Justice Department honors and remembers the brave men and women whose sacrifices secured the freedoms we cherish as a nation. Their courage and legacy will never be forgotten.

[DEAChicago @DEACHICAGODiv]

We are praying for La Porte County Deputy Sheriff/DEA Task Force Officer Jon Samuelson and his family. We stand alongside his family, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, and all those impacted by this tragedy during this difficult time.

@DEAHQ @TheJusticeDept

[ATF Chicago @ATF_Chicago]

CASE UPDATE: On the evening of May 20, 2026, ATF and the Chicago Police Department, as part of a Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago investigation, arrested Lamont Williams, 37, in connection with the violent shoot out that occurred in the 200 Block of N Washtenaw Ave in West Town on April 4, 2026. Williams was charged via federal criminal complaint with being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition. Williams remains detained in federal custody.
@Chicago_Police @NDILnews

[U.S. Attorney NDIN @USAO_NDIN]

Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison For Distribution of Fentanyl and Felon in Possession of a Firearm

“An armed, recidivist drug dealer is going to prison for dealing fentanyl.  He forfeited 6 and a half years of his life because he wanted to peddle poison in our district.  Thanks to the combined efforts of the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Fort Wayne Police Department and Assistant United States Attorney Dawn R. Ransom, the Defendant was caught, prosecuted, and sentenced,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration @DEACHICAGODiv with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation @FBIIndianapolis and the Fort Wayne Police Department @FortWaynePolice . The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dawn R. Ransom.

Read more here 🔗: https://t.co/xZZy3Y2GOJ

[U.S. Attorney NDIN @USAO_NDIN]

Recidivist Mexican National Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison For Reentry of Removed Alien and Firearm Offenses

“An illegal alien with two convictions for sexual battery was sentenced to 41 months in prison for possessing a rifle and ammunition and reentering the country for a third time after having been removed on two separate occasions.  Once he finishes his sentence, he will be removed a third and hopefully final time.  Armed recidivist sexual offenders who violate our borders are not welcome here,” U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred said.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations @HSIChicago , with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives @ATF_Chicago , the United States Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force @USMarshalsHQ , the Logansport Police Department, the Cass County Sheriff's Office, and the Monticello Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hannah T Jones and Jerome W. McKeever.

Read more here 🔗: https://t.co/QaqhtiCJML

[ATF Chicago @ATF_Chicago]

ATF is proud to work with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and our federal, state, and county partners on the Regional Transit Task Force. Through this task force and the expansion of Project Safe Neighborhoods to the CTA, we’re combining our resources and expertise towards a safer Chicagoland.

[State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke @saeileenburke]

Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure on public transit.

We announced our new Regional Transit Task Force, which brings together law enforcement and transit partners to improve public safety and strengthen the prosecution of transit-related crimes. ⬇️

[U.S. Attorney NDIN @USAO_NDIN]

South Bend Man Sentenced to 109 Months in Prison For Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

“As a convicted armed robber who also had a felony conviction for possession of cocaine, the Defendant had no business possessing a firearm when he shot approximately 8 times at an occupied house located in a residential neighborhood in South Bend.  Police Officers responded and observed multiple bullet holes in the side of the two-story house.  Law enforcement located and collected spent casings and reviewed text messages sent by Baker threatening the occupant of the home over a $500 dispute.  When officers found Baker a couple weeks later, he was in possession of the same .380 caliber handgun used in the shooting,” U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred said.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives @ATF_Chicago with assistance from the South Bend Police Department @southbendpolice . The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hannah T Jones and Joel Gabrielse.

Read more🔗: https://t.co/kWveyoxJT7

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

ATF's core mission remains clear: combat violent crime, safeguard lawful commerce, and uphold the Constitution. ATF is steadfast in defending the rights of law-abiding citizens while protecting American communities.

[ATF Chicago @ATF_Chicago]

ATF Chicago extends our condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Chicago Fire Department Engineer Steven M. Decker. ATF stands with the City of Chicago and the Chicago Fire Department as we mourn this tragic loss.

[Chicago Fire Media @CFDMedia]

#CFD Engineer Steven M. Decker of E71 suffered a medical emergency during an annual equipment test Thurs in the West Ridge neighborhood. Engineer Decker later died at St. Francis Hospital. We are asking for prayers for the entire Decker & CFD families during this difficult time.

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

ATF Director Robert Cekada and staff placed a wreath at the @NLEOMF this week to honor the men and women of law enforcement who have paid the ultimate price protecting communities from violent crime. #PoliceWeek2026