The Lead Off Federal indictment names 12 defendants accused of operating a large-scale Indiana drug trafficking network Investigators say the alleged organization was directed by an inmate inside Westville Correctional Facility Authorities allege distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl a nd other drugs across multiple Indiana cities INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (WOWO) A federal indictment has charged 12 suspects in connection with an alleged central Indiana drug trafficking organization that authorities say was directed by an inmate operating from inside prison. The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges the operation distributed large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and other controlled substances throughout the Indianapolis region and surrounding communities according to WXIN. Federal indictment outlines alleged prison-directed operationAccording to the indictment, the organization was allegedly coordinated by 37-year-old Justin Veal, an inmate housed at Westville Correctional Facility. Investigators say Veal directed drug distribution activity from inside the facility. Authorities allege Veal’s network was responsible for distributing “hundreds of pounds” of narcotics across the southern half of Indiana. The indictment states the organization moved methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, Suboxone and synthetic cannabis, also known as “spice.” Alleged distribution network across Indiana citiesCourt documents allege that, at Veal’s direction, suspects including Sade Butler of Indianapolis and Shawnlisa Nevels of Fort Wayne obtained and distributed controlled substances. Investigators say drugs were then allegedly sold across multiple Indiana communities, including: Anderson Indianapolis Fort Wayne Additional areas throughout central and northern Indiana Seizures reported during investigationLaw enforcement officials say a series of seizures occurred during the investigation into the alleged trafficking organization. Items reportedly recovered include: 13 firearms, some equipped with drum magazines 130 pounds of methamphetamine 550 grams of cocaine 241 grams of fentanyl 25 Suboxone strips 1,750 grams of synthetic cannabis (“spice”) Thousands of counterfeit fentanyl pills An unspecified amount of heroin Cash proceeds A pill press with drug residue High-value jewelry 15 cell phones Two vehicles Charges filed against 12 defendantsThe federal indictment lists the following defendants and charges: Justin Veal, 37, Indianapolis Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances Sade Butler, 27, Indianapolis Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances (two counts) Shawnlisa Nevels, 44, Fort Wayne Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances Adrian Swift, 39, Indianapolis Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances (two counts) Bobby Young, 51, Anderson Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances Dontrell Cole, 24, Indianapolis Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances Jacob Schloerb, 52, Indianapolis Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances Megan Daniels, 49, Columbus Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances Scott Foor, 45, Indianapolis Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine Daquel Jones, 35, Indianapolis Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine Dawud Quarles, 33, Indianapolis Unlawful use of a communication facility Larry Craig, 54, Indianapolis Unlawful use of a communication facility Investigation and prosecutionOfficials say the investigation was conducted by the Crossroads Homeland Security Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsay Karwoski and Patrick Gibson. The Takeaway Federal prosecutors allege a coordinated drug trafficking operation was directed by an inmate inside Westville Correctional Facility The indictment outlines widespread distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl and other narcotics across multiple Indiana cities Twelve defendants now face federal charges as the case moves through the court system, with prosecution led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office The post Federal indictment charges 12 in alleged Indiana drug ring run from prison appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less