Four arrested on federal drug charges

Alleged to have trafficked heroin and methamphetamine in Indianapolis area

PRESS RELEASE

Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh Minkler today announced federal criminal charges against four individuals who are accused of distributing large quantities of heroin and methamphetamine in the Indianapolis area.

“Drug dealing fuels violence and the addiction epidemic our community faces each and every day,” said Minkler. “My goal is to make Indianapolis the most inhospitable place in the country to sell illegal drugs.”

Those arrested included:

 Gary Sellers, 43, Richmond, Indiana

       Richard Roberson, 39, Indianapolis

       Leroy Thomas, 45, Indianapolis

       Ali Abdul Salam, 40, Indianapolis

Beginning this summer and continuing until October 11, 2017, the defendants are alleged to have brought large quantities of heroin and methamphetamine into the Indianapolis area for redistribution. They have all been arrested and remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service.

As a result of their arrests, agents and officers confiscated $7,000 in seized drugs including two ounces of fentanyl-laced heroin, prescription pills, one vehicle with a hidden compartment and three firearms.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, FBI, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, Kokomo Police Department, Fishers Police Department, Indianapolis Metro Drug Task Force, Hamilton-Boone County Drug Task Force, Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department, Richmond Police Department and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.  

“DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate those individuals who are responsible for trafficking poison such as heroin and fentanyl in our communities.” said Drug Enforcement Assistant Agent in Charge Greg Westfall. “Unfortunately, both leave a trail of violence and addiction.”

“The epidemic of illegal narcotics has a debilitating effect on individuals, families, and communities,” said Chief Roach. “Local, state, and federal efforts to undermine and disrupt networks that provide illegal narcotics is key to reducing violent crime in our community, and will remain a top priority of IMPD and our law enforcement partners.”

IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge, Gabriel Grchan stated, “Stopping organized crime is a priority for IRS Criminal Investigation.  IRS special agents will continue to support our law enforcement partners in that effort.”

According to Assistant United States Attorney Michelle P. Brady who is prosecuting this case for the government, Sellers, Roberson and Thomas face up to life in prison if convicted, Abdul Salam faces up to 20 years imprisonment if convicted.

Criminal charges are merely allegations and are not evidence of guilt. All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in federal court.  

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