A federal grand jury has delivered indictments against 21 individuals in a shocking case involving the grim nexus of dogfighting and drug trafficking.
The announcement came from Indiana authorities on a Thursday forever etched in infamy.
Indiana Allegations of Narcotic Trafficking
US Attorney Zachary Myers, representing the Southern District of Indiana, unveiled the grave charges during a news conference. The allegations run the gamut, from armed fentanyl trafficking and cocaine trafficking to methamphetamine trafficking, money laundering, and involvement in an animal-fighting enterprise.
This grim indictment stemmed from a rigorous 2022 investigation into two men who allegedly operated in concert to smuggle a lethal cocktail of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine from Mexico into the United States. These narcotics were then disseminated throughout Indianapolis and central Indiana, perpetuating a cycle of addiction and despair.
Gregory Henderson Jr., one of the principal suspects, and other defendants implicated in the indictment remain at large. Their activities had a profound impact, saturating Indiana’s capital and its surrounding areas with dangerous drugs.
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Concerns for the Welfare of Seized Dogs
Further revelations uncovered that this criminal network operated under the banner of the 34th Street Gangster Disciples, a neighborhood-based gang with alleged ties to the notorious Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, according to FBI Special Agent in Charge Herb Stapleton.
Disturbingly, investigators stumbled upon a significant dogfighting venture orchestrated by the indicted individuals, leading to the seizure of approximately 90 dogs.
US Attorney Myers expressed deep concern, remarking that these dogs were subjected to violent and horrific fights for the pleasure and gambling pursuits of those who seemed to lack humanity.
The 90 seized dogs and puppies are safely housed and undergoing behavioral assessments. The overarching goal is to ensure that they find new, loving homes where they can heal and thrive.
Law enforcement spared no effort in their mission, executing warrants across about 30 locations, primarily within Indiana, with additional locations in Ohio and Kentucky. Of the 21 individuals indicted, 18 are now in federal custody, as Stapleton reported.
In the pursuit of justice, the FBI offers a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the capture of Gregory Henderson.
Additionally, investigators are actively seeking information on a second fugitive, Maurice Ervin, whose name features prominently in the indictment. The relentless quest for justice continues, seeking to dismantle this deeply troubling criminal network.
