23 indicted in methamphetamine conspiracy

Drug trafficking organizations disrupted on Southwest side of Indianapolis

PRESS RELEASE

Indianapolis—United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today federal charges against 23 individuals who are alleged to be dealing methamphetamine on the Southwest side of Indianapolis.

“Narcotics dealing spawns increased violence in our neighborhoods,” said Minkler. “Those that are in the business of dealing drugs in this community can expect the full brunt of the federal hammer and the consequences that follow.” 

In early 2016, law enforcement officials learned that an organization was responsible for bringing large quantities of methamphetamine into neighborhoods on the Southwest side of Indianapolis. Brothers Jose and Juan Zamudio were identified as the local source of supply, bringing methamphetamine and other narcotics into Indianapolis. Once in the hands of the Zamudios, the drugs were redistributed to others for sale. 

FBI Safe Streets working with IMPD and other federal/state/local officials used a number of investigative techniques to uncover the conspiracies and served 40 warrants at various locations early this morning. As a result of the investigation, over 94 firearms were seized along with 19 pounds of methamphetamine 35 pounds of marijuana, 1 kilogram of cocaine, 1.5 kilograms of heroin and $85,000 in cash. 

Operation Glass Houses was a joint investigation between the FBI, IMPD, IRS –Criminal Investigation, ATF, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, Indiana State Police, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, Carmel PD, Fishers PD, Noblesville PD, Hamilton County Drug Unit, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Terre Haute PD, Vigo County Sheriff’s Office and the Clinton IN. PD.

Charged today include:
Daryl Albertson, 44
Jessica Dreyer, 40
Amanda Nelson Craft, 40
Kimberly Gaskins, 44
Jose Zamudio, 36
Christian Morales, 27
Alejandro Garcia, 34
Adrian Bennett, 33
Jeffrey Rush, 49
Samantha Barton, 40
Joseph Coltharp, 49
James Smotherman, 42
Anthony Plymate, 47
Falisha Shatz, 38
Jessica Dreyer, 40
Christopher Williams, 34
Juan Zamudio, 31
Maria Gonzalez, 36
Evelyn Perez, 22
Jeremy Perdue, 34
Gerardo Nunez, 26
David Silnes, 41
Timothy Berry, 29
Armando Bautista, 37

“The FBI’s message is clear and unequivocal,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge W. Jay Abbott. “We will continue to work together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to rid the streets throughout Indiana of dangerous and violent offenders. Today’s operation illustrates our commitment to using our combined resources to attack these criminal enterprises.”

IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge James D. Robnett stated, “Drug trafficking organizations thrive on financial gain and perpetuate criminal violence in our city.  IRS Criminal Investigation brings its financial expertise to an investigation and we are privileged to be working with other federal, state and local law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe.” 

“Since the start of 2016, a goal of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has been to increase collaboration with our federal law enforcement partners,” said Chief Troy Riggs. “This particular investigation serves as an example of law enforcement working cooperatively to address citizen’s concerns about narcotics trafficking in their neighborhoods. I would like to thank our federal, state, and local partners for their help in dismantling this high-level narcotics organization within Indianapolis.”

According to Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Brady who is prosecuting this case for the government, all defendants face a sentence of 10 years to life if convicted of all counts.

An indictment is only charge and not evidence of guilt. All parties are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in federal court.