A South Bend man has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after being convicted of firearm and drug offenses.

Aguila Binion, 48, was sentenced March 18, 2026, by U.S. District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after a jury found him guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, according to U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Binion received a 144-month prison sentence followed by three years of supervised release.

Court documents show police found Binion asleep behind the wheel of a running vehicle. Officers recovered a bag of cocaine and more than $1,500 in cash from his pockets.

Investigators also found packaging materials, including plastic baggies, a digital scale, and multiple pre-packaged bags of cocaine in the front seat. A fully loaded handgun was located within arm’s reach in the back seat.

Mildred said the case highlights coordinated efforts by local and federal agencies, adding that the conviction removes a dangerous individual from the community.