Eleven Charged in Federal Indictment Following Takedown of Indianapolis Meth Trafficking Conspiracy

Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS- Eleven individuals have been charged in a federal indictment alleging a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Indianapolis and elsewhere. The charges follow a successful law enforcement operation in which 10 of the 11 individuals were arrested and federal agents and local officers seized eight firearms and quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana. The following lists the individuals indicted and charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine:

• Matthew R.P. Fishman, 38, Bloomington
• Megan L. Gaskin, 29, Indianapolis
• Joseph A. Grubb, 37, Bloomfield
• Amanda N. Hornaday, 40, Indianapolis
• Candace L. Rich, 44, Indianapolis
• Ashley N. Russell, 38, Indianapolis
• Colton K. Shorkey, 33, Franklin
• James M. Sublett Jr., 39, Westfield
• James L. Tyus Jr., 39, Indianapolis
• Kelly A. Willis, 52, Indianapolis
• Thomas R. Winkley, 45, Indianapolis

This was a multiagency operation, involving 16 agencies, who executed 22 arrest and search warrants at 11 locations in Central Indiana on the morning of November 20, 2024. Ten individuals were arrested and are in federal custody. Joseph A. Grubb still remains a fugitive.

According to the indictment, from February 2024 through November 14, 2024, all eleven defendants allegedly conspired together to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. James L. Tyus Jr. allegedly acted as the leader of the operation and was supplied methamphetamine by James M. Sublett Jr. The remaining nine defendants allegedly served as dealers and distributers.

The alleged meth deals took place at several locations across Indianapolis including parking lots, gas stations, apartment complexes, motels, and a gentleman's club.

If convicted, each defendant faces up to life in federal prison.

The following investigative agencies collaborated to make this investigation and recent warrant execution possible:

• Drug Enforcement Administration
• Internal Revenue Service
• Metropolitan Drug Task Force
• Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
• United States Marshal's Service
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Lawrence Police Department
• Hamilton/Boone County Drug Task Force
• Franklin Police Department
• Indiana State Police
• Beech Grove Police Department
• Johnson County Sheriff's Office
• Brownsburg Police Department
• Indiana National Guard
• Bloomington Police Department
• Greene County Sheriff's Department

"Getting deadly drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl off our streets is a top priority for our office," said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. "That is why working with our partners at DEA, IMPD, and all across federal, state, and local law enforcement is so important. We are committed to identifying drug traffickers and holding them accountable in federal court."

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley Blackington and Jeremy Fugate, who are prosecuting this case.

An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Updated November 21, 2024