Evansville heroin trafficking organization dismantled

Brought kilo-quantities into the Evansville area for distribution

PRESS RELEASE

Evansville –United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today that a drug trafficking organization which brought large quantities of heroin into the Evansville area has been dismantled. The drug trafficking organization (DTO) is alleged to have distributed nearly 10 pounds of heroin over a nine-month period in Southwestern Indiana.

“Trafficking in heroin not only brings gun and gang violence to a community, it contributes to the opioid crisis our country faces,” said Minkler. “Helping to reduce crime in our neighborhoods, is, and will remain a top priority of this office.”

Those arrested include:

David Capers, 38, Hazel Crest, Illinois

Emanuel Brewster, 47, Evansville, Indiana

Harry Campbell, 40, Evansville, Indiana

Deandre Brewster, 23, Evansville, Indiana

John Rutter, 29, Evansville, Indiana

Tarana Grimes, 49, Evansville, Indiana

Bretton Vaughn, 41, Chicago, Illinois

Rochelle Brewster, 46, Merrillville, Indiana

According to the Indictment, from August 2016 until May 25, 2017 Capers supplied heroin from the Chicago area to the leaders of the local conspiracy headed by E. Brewer and Campbell. The heroin was then redistributed to other “mid-lower level” dealers for further sale in the community.

Throughout the conspiracy, it is alleged several members distributed the heroin on a “front” basis, where they provided heroin on consignment to other heroin distributors receiving payment after the sale. During the conspiracy, the DTO spoke on telephones at times using code language and text messages to discuss matters relative to the heroin trafficking. It is further alleged that the DTO stored heroin and cash at various properties in Evansville on Cross Street, East Riverside Drive and East Franklin Street.

During the overall investigation, law enforcement confiscated nearly one pound of heroin and two loaded firearms.

This investigation was jointly conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshal’s Service, the Indiana State Police, the Washington IN Police Department and the Evansville Vanderburgh County Joint Task Force.

“Every day, 91 Americans die from opioids such as heroin and prescription drugs; federal and local law enforcement working together will stop these criminal organizations who profit from addiction,” said Greg Westfall DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge. “Saving lives by pursuing these drug traffickers remains DEA’s #1 priority.”

According to Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Wheatley, all defendants were charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin, E. Brewster and D. Brewster were also charged with being felons in possession of a firearm. If convicted on all counts all face 10 years to life in federal prison.

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