Fentanyl & Meth Ring Crumbles: Coley & Duggar Convicted

INDIANAPOLIS – The final pieces of a sprawling drug conspiracy fell into place this week as Rick Coley, 36, of Indianapolis, Indiana and David Duggar, 40, of Greenwood, Indiana were convicted on all counts following an eight-day federal trial. The pair were central figures in a 20-person operation that flooded Indianapolis streets with deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine.

According to court documents, Coley and Duggar worked under the direction of Jason Betts, the alleged ringleader, distributing significant quantities of the drugs between January and July 2021. The narcotics originated in California and were shipped to Indianapolis, fueling the city’s opioid and methamphetamine crises. Coley faces charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and receipt of a firearm while under indictment for a felony. Duggar was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Both men now face the possibility of life in federal prison.

“These convictions further demonstrate the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s efforts to systematically target, investigate, and prosecute those responsible for pumping the most dangerous drugs into our communities,” stated Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I commend the work of all agencies involved in dismantling this operation to hold criminals accountable when they seek to exploit substance use disorder with no regard for those who are harmed or killed.” The operation highlights a growing trend of out-of-state drug sources and the devastating impact on local communities.

The takedown, executed in July 2021, was a massive undertaking involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Agents seized a staggering amount of evidence: approximately 35 firearms, $70,000 in cash, 1.75 kilograms of fentanyl, 14 pounds of methamphetamine, 6 ounces of cocaine, and a full 30 pounds of marijuana. Rodney M. Hopkins, Detroit Division Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation, stating, “This sentencing is an example of a successful partnership…to protect the mail system from being used for criminal purposes.”

With Coley and Duggar’s convictions, 18 other defendants have already pled guilty in connection to the conspiracy. Ten remain awaiting sentencing. The case was a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, alongside the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Indiana State Police, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Bradley A. Blackington and Kelsey L. Massa were instrumental in securing the convictions.

This investigation was conducted under the umbrella of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a multi-agency initiative designed to dismantle high-level drug trafficking organizations. U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon presided over the trial. Sentencing dates for Coley and Duggar will be announced at a later time. While facing potential life sentences, actual punishments are determined by the court and often fall below the maximum penalties. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on sentencing developments.

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