Indiana: Grand Jury Indicts 21 Linked to Dogfighting and Drug Trafficking

A federal grand jury has issued indictments against 21 individuals in connection with charges related to dogfighting and drug trafficking, as announced by Indiana authorities on Thursday, according to CNN.

The charges encompass a range of serious offenses, including armed fentanyl trafficking, cocaine trafficking, methamphetamine trafficking, money laundering, and participation in an animal-fighting venture.

During a news conference, Zachary Myers, the US Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, provided these details.

The indictment stemmed from a probe launched in 2022 into two individuals suspected of collaborating to smuggle fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine from Mexico into the United States.

The investigation revealed that these drugs were distributed in Indianapolis and central Indiana.

Two of the suspects, identified as Gregory Henderson Jr. and Maurice Ervin, are currently at large.

Henderson and other co-defendants named in the indictment are reported to have played a crucial role in the distribution of drugs in and around Indiana's capital.

Henderson is 6'2" tall, weighing 160 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for details leading to his arrest.

Authorities urge anyone who may encounter Henderson to avoid him, as he is considered armed and dangerous.

Investigators uncovered that the group was associated with the 34th Street Gangster Disciples, a neighborhood-based gang believed to have connections to drug supplies from the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, according to FBI Special Agent in Charge Herb Stapleton.

Authorities Say Around 90 Dogs, Including Puppies Were Seized

In a series of raids conducted last Thursday, law enforcement officers executed operations that rescued approximately 90 dogs, including puppies, from numerous locations, per USA TODAY.

These dogs are currently held in an undisclosed facility, where behavior assessments will be conducted to determine their potential for adoption.

In past cases of a similar nature, dogs used in fighting have unfortunately had to be euthanized.

In addition to rescuing these animals, federal agents seized many narcotics and firearms.

The seized contraband included 43 firearms, more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, 459 grams of heroin, 532 grams of fentanyl, and over 660 grams of cocaine.

Charges related to animal fighting conspiracy can result in a prison sentence of up to five years, while drug trafficking conspiracy charges could lead to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Operators of Dogfighting Have a Well-Documented History of Criminal Activities

Members of the group facing charges have a history that spans decades when it comes to dogfighting, according to officials.

A significant incident from 2001 illustrates their involvement in this cruel practice.

Officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department discovered seven pitbulls under dire conditions at a residence in Indianapolis, Indiana, WRTV noted.

These dogs needed medical attention due to a lack of food and water and displayed wounds consistent with dogfighting.

The residence in question belonged to one of the accused individuals, Michael Sanders, 45.

An especially distressing detail emerged during the investigation: two dog ears were found on a table in the backyard of one of the accused individuals.

Police, in court records, pointed out that ear cropping is a common practice in dogfighting to prevent opposing canines from biting or chewing on the ears during fights.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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