Opiates & cash found in home of Fishers man facing felony charges

Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced that JOACHIM VAN BUREN, 50, of Fishers, Indiana, was charged with two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, and one count Prohibited Person (Felon) in Possession of a Firearm.

Van Buren has a prior second degree felony, in Hidalgo County, Texas, that occurred on or about May 5, 2010, for Possession of Marijuana of 2,000 pounds or less but more than 50 pounds. Among other items, law enforcement officers confiscated: 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I, narcotic controlled substance, and approximately $31,115.00 in cash from Van Buren’s home in Fishers along with one (1) Springfield Armory 45. Caliber semi-automatic handgun, one (1) Colt.25 caliber semi-automatic handgun, one (1) Ruger .45 Caliber semi-automatic handgun, and ammunition.

“The government is intentionally focusing its resources on the opioid epidemic and holding traffickers accountable,” said United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler. “This case represents collaborative enforcement efforts in this regard and sends an important message to the community that federal agents are working in partnership with local law enforcement to bring violators to justice.”

According to Assistant United States Attorney Lindsay Karwoski, who is prosecuting the case for the government, the defendant faces a possible sentence of 10 years to life imprisonment.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This criminal charge reinforces the United States Department of Justice Strategic Goals Intended To Address Indiana’s Heroin and Opioid Crisis through Federal Prosecution of more Heroin and Opioid Traffickers. See USAO-SDIN Strategic Plan, Section 3.3.