Indiana Marijuana Ring Busted
Indianapolis, IN – A large-scale marijuana distribution network in Central Indiana has been dismantled, with six residents facing federal charges. The group, lead by Joseph P. Pickett Sr., Darrell Pickett and Kelly Jo Spinks Jr., allegedly brought guns and violence into the community.
The indictment alleges that between June 2015 and March 2017, the drug trafficking organization (DTO) obtained between 100 and 400 pounds of marijuana each trip from California and transported it back to Indianapolis. On at least 20 occasions, members of the DTO flew by commercial airlines to California to obtain marijuana.
Once in Indianapolis, the marijuana was placed in storage facilities on the Westside of Indianapolis. Members of the DTO would then remove various amounts from the storage facilities for redistribution. 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.
The case was investigated by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Drug trafficking contributes to the unstableness and violence we observe within our communities today, said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Greg Westfall.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Barry D. Glickman, the defendants face the following charges: conspiracy to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, money laundering, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Joseph P. Pickett Sr., Darrell P. Pickett, Sheila Stepp, Leonard O. Allen Jr., Kelly Jo Spinks Jr., and William J. Belew Jr. were arrested and charged in the case.
The indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in federal court. The defendants face up to 10 years imprisonment, with Allen facing up to 10 years, if convicted.
We are extremely thankful for our federal partnerships that continue to help us rid our streets of illegal narcotics, said Chief Roach. Federal, State, and Local law enforcement efforts will continue to keep the pressure on those who choose to participate in illegal narcotics selling in our community.
Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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