In total, the group was responsible for distributing at least 108 kilograms of methamphetamine, 4 kilograms of fentanyl, and 6 kilograms of cocaine.
Indianapolis – Ten defendants have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a multi-county fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine trafficking operation spanning Indianapolis, Muncie, Terre Haute and other areas within the Southern District of Indiana.
Between October 2022 and November 2023, Moore, Kendall, Young, Robertson, Wampler, Fox, and members conspired to operate a large-scale drug trafficking organization responsible for the distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to multiple Indiana counties. Kendall, who was identified as the leader of the Indianapolis-based distribution network, often used threats to intimidate and control subordinates who followed his instructions.
Overall, the group was responsible for distributing the minimum 108 kilograms of methamphetamine, 4 kilograms of fentanyland 6 kilograms of cocaine.
On November 8, 2023, law enforcement executed multiple search warrants simultaneously at the defendants’ homes and vehicles, which were being used to store and distribute drugs and drug-trafficking proceeds. Officers seized 25,000 Fentanyl pills, 2 pounds of methamphetamine, 348.8 grams of cocaine base, 225 grams of cocaine, and 487 grams of Fentanyl laced with Xylazine. Xylazine is a veterinary tranquilizer that can dangerously slow breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, and reduce the effectiveness of resuscitation from an overdose using Narcan.
The following firearms, ammunition and other articles were seized and confiscated.
- CAI Stalb P9R 9mm Handgun
- Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special revolver
- Kel Tec .380 caliber handguns (x2)
- Kimber Custom .45 Caliber Handguns (x2)
- MI2AK l2-gauge shotgun
- Norenko SKS 7.62 rifle
- Ruger .45 caliber handgun (x2)
- Sig Sauer P365 9mm Handgun
- Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .38 Caliber Handgun
- Springfield Hellcat 9mm Handgun
- Springfield 40 caliber handgun
- 38 caliber Taurus revolver
- Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun
- Glock Model 19 9mm Handgun
- Springfield XD Semi Automatic
- $18,981 cash
- At least five digital scales
- Cutting agents, including Phenyltetrahydroimidazothiazole (PTHIT)
- Hundreds of rounds of different ammunition
- Multiple cell phones
“Taking down a drug trafficking organization responsible for pumping large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl into our communities is a major victory for law enforcement and every Hoosier,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Because of the extraordinary, collaborative work of our federal, state and local partners, we achieved a remarkable result that sends a clear message to major drug dealers: We will continue to work tirelessly to end your illegal operations and protect the people of Indiana.”
“The scope of this drug trafficking organization and the amount of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine it distributes pose a serious threat to the communities of central and southern Indiana,” said DEA Indianapolis District Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge Gerald Dooley. “Because of the strong cooperation between our federal and local law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, we were able to dismantle this network and remove a significant amount of dangerous drugs and firearms from our streets.”
“These sentences send a clear message: If you profit from pumping fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into our neighborhoods, you will pay for it with your freedom,” said Adam Jobs, special agent in charge, IRS Criminal Investigations, Chicago Field Office. “These individuals trafficked poison for profit, fueling addiction and violence throughout Indiana. These prison sentences take dealers and their drugs off our streets – and they make our communities safer. IRS-CI will continue to work tirelessly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to identify, disrupt, and lock up those who choose to stop traffic at all of our levels.” communities.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge George Rosendo said, “It is remarkable what law enforcement can accomplish when they work in true partnership. These individuals brought destruction and chaos to the people of Indiana. Because of their actions, they faced the full force of a coordinated law enforcement effort. Now, they will face the consequences of their crimes in the prison system.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, IMPD, and the Vigo County Drug Task Force investigated the case. The sentences were handed down by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsay E. Karowski and Patrick Gibson who prosecuted the case.
