KOKOMO, IN – A brutal chapter in the city’s drug trade closed this week as fifteen individuals were handed down lengthy federal prison sentences totaling over 175 years for their roles in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking operation. The bust, the result of a two-year investigation by the Kokomo Police Department Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other federal partners, ripped through the city’s underworld, revealing a network of dealers pushing poison into the community.
The investigation, launched in 2020, didn’t just uncover drugs. Law enforcement seized a staggering 18.3 pounds of methamphetamine, 171 grams of fentanyl, 48 grams of heroin, $95,664 in cash, and eleven firearms – painting a picture of a well-funded and heavily armed criminal enterprise. The operation highlights the continued struggle against the influx of dangerous narcotics into Indiana, and the lengths traffickers will go to for profit.
Leading the pack was Demario Barker, 34, of Kokomo, who received a 25-year sentence for Distribution of methamphetamine. Close behind was Shawn Brent, 45, Kokomo, sentenced to 17.5 years for Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Deriq Watters, 33, Kokomo, faces 21 years and 10 months behind bars for the same charge. The sentences underscore the severity of the crimes and the federal government’s commitment to dismantling these organizations.
The domino effect of convictions continued with Janie Maxieson, 56, Fishers, and Eddie Maxieson, 52, Fishers, both receiving 15-year sentences for Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Carl Chandler, 44, Kokomo, also received 15 years for the same offense. Zachary Burkhead, 38, Kokomo, was sentenced to 14 years and 2 months for Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine. Cody Long, 27, Kokomo, will spend 11 years in prison for Distribution of methamphetamine, while Jerry Glenn, 36, Kokomo, received an 11-year sentence for Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Other sentences handed down included Cassandra Shepard, 42, Kokomo, 10 years for Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine; Shaquille Cannon, 32, Kokomo, 7 years and 8 months for the same conspiracy; Cynthia Ponder, 37, Kokomo, 5 years for Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Amy Lowe, 33, Kokomo, 5 years for Distribution of methamphetamine; Sirtorry Carr, 33, Kokomo, 3 years and 1 month served for being a Felon in possession of a firearm; and Matthew Vance, 32, Kokomo, 3 years and 10 months for Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
“Methamphetamine and other deadly controlled substances have devastating impacts on users, their loved ones, and our communities,” stated Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Drug traffickers like these fifteen defendants, responsible for pushing this poison into our neighborhoods, must be held accountable for the suffering they cause in search of quick profits.” Kokomo Police Chief Douglas Stout added, “This investigation serves as another example that drug trafficking in Kokomo will not be tolerated.” The bust serves as a stark reminder of the persistent drug problem plaguing the region and the ongoing efforts to combat it.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Press Release
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