Kelly Joe Spinks, Jr. and Joseph Pickett, Sr., Marijuana Trafficking, Indiana 2020

Two men involved in a large-scale, cross-country marijuana trafficking organization have been sentenced to prison time. Kelly Joe Spinks, Jr. and Joseph Pickett, Sr. were found guilty of their roles in obtaining and distributing over four tons of marijuana in the Southern District of Indiana.

The two-year investigation, dubbed 'Operation Northern Exposure,' was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration – Indianapolis District Office, Internal Revenue Service, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and Beech Grove Police Department. The investigation resulted in the indictment of seven defendants on violations of the Federal Controlled Substance Act, Money Laundering, and other charges.

Over twenty search warrants served in the case led to the discovery and seizure of over $4,000,000.00 in U.S. currency, 181 firearms, 31 vehicles, 2 motor homes, and 16 motorcycles.

The investigation revealed that Spinks, Jr. and Pickett, Sr., along with others, traveled to California and obtained between 100 pounds and 700 pounds of marijuana per trip from sources of supply in California. These trips occurred roughly every two to three weeks from 2015 to March 2017. The marijuana was then transported from California to Indianapolis, Indiana, where it was stored and ultimately redistributed.

Kelly Joe Spinks, Jr. was sentenced to 140 months' imprisonment, while Joseph Pickett, Sr. received 135 months' imprisonment. The court also ordered both men to serve five-year terms of supervised release at the conclusion of their terms of imprisonment.

The other defendants sentenced in the case include Darrell Pickett (60 months' imprisonment), Sheila Stepp (20 months' imprisonment), William Bellew, Jr. (20 months' imprisonment), and Leonard Allen (10 months' imprisonment).

The U.S. Attorney's Office stated that the case is a priority for dismantling organized crime operations like the Pickett crew. The significant assets seized and the court's sentence should serve as a warning to all involved in such activities.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/pr/masterminds-four-ton-million-dollar-cross-country-drug-conspiracy-sentenced