INDIANAPOLIS -- Federal charges were filed Friday against six Indianapolis-area residents for their role in a large-scale marijuana distribution network in central Indiana, according to U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler.
The charges against the group include conspiracy to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, money laundering and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Those arrested include:
- Joseph P. Pickett Sr. a/k/a Jay, 46, Indianapolis
- Darrell P. Pickett, 52, Indianapolis
- Sheila Stepp, 54, Indianapolis
- Leonard O. Allen Jr., 48, Mooresville
- Kelly Jo Spinks Jr., 33, Speedway
- William J. Belew Jr., 32, Martinsville
The indictment alleges that between June 2015 and March 2017, members of the drug trafficking organization traveled to California to get marijuana and brought it back to Indy.
On at least 20 occasions, the group allegedly flew to California to get the drugs and they also a drove a motor home for the same purpose.
The drugs were put in a storage facility on the west side of the city and then distributed, according to the indictment.
Law enforcement confiscated 181 firearms (seven of which were stolen in Indiana), 21 vehicles, two motor homes, 16 motorcycles, $19,000 in jewelry, over $4.5 million in cash and 280 pounds of high-grade marijuana.
"Drug trafficking contributes to the unstableness and violence we observe within our communities today. The DEA, through its core mission and its law enforcement partnerships bring safety to your neighborhoods by investigating and bringing to justice, criminal organizations that poison our streets with illegal drugs," said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Greg Westfall.
One of the men charged faces up to ten years in prison and the rest of the group each face 10 years to life if convicted according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry Glickman.
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