Hogsett Announces Dismantlement of Large Indianapolis Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization

More Results in U.S. Attorney’s Initiative Against Violent Crime

INDIANAPOLIS—Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today indictments containing federal methamphetamine trafficking charges against 11 Indianapolis-area individuals and the dismantling of a large methamphetamine drug trafficking organization in the Indianapolis area. The indictments are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department into the trafficking activities of two related drug distribution conspiracies operating in Indianapolis.

The first indictment charges the following seven individuals:

■JEFFREY WEAVER, 34, of Indianapolis

■SYSINE DALE, 38, of Indianapolis

■GREGORY WILKEY, 37, of Indianapolis

■DARRIN COOPER, 34, of Indianapolis

■TERRIE YEADON, 39, of Indianapolis

■TERRI MARCUM, 37, of Indianapolis

■TONY CUMMINGS, 39, of Indianapolis

In late 2010, an investigation was initiated into methamphetamine trafficking. Now, within eight months, the organization has been dismantled from top to bottom. Weaver was the main source, with Wilkey and Dale receiving their supplies from Weaver and distributing it to their network of customers throughout the Indianapolis area and surrounding counties.

The indictments and related court documents allege that this group was involved in distributing high-quality methamphetamine in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. Dale, in particular, received quantities of methamphetamine from both Weaver and Ballengee (named later) weekly, which she distributed, with the help of her paramour, Cooper, from their residence at 3119 Chase Street, in Indianapolis. Dale’s customers included Marcum. Weaver similarly supplied Wilkey with quantities of the drug, which he to distributed, with the help of his paramour, Yeadon, from their residence at 2648 Stanley Avenue, also in Indianapolis. Wilkey’s customers included Cummings. This group of alleged conspirators are also being charged for their involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy, which, if convicted, carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment.

On July 20, 2011, federal search warrants were executed at 5817 Oak Avenue (Weaver’s residence), 3119 Chase Street (Dale’s residence), 2648 Stanley Avenue (Wilkey’s residence), and two storage lockers. Law enforcement recovered approximately one pound of methamphetamine, $11,000 cash, three firearms, numerous vehicles, and numerous items of drug paraphernalia (pipes, scales, etc.).

The second indictment charges the following four individuals:

■BRIAN BALLENGEE, 52, of Indianapolis

■SYSINE DALE, 38, of Indianapolis

■JUAN ANTONIO RIVERA-PUGA, 29, of Indianapolis

■LUIS CARLOS BARRAZA, JR., 18, of Indianapolis

This group of alleged conspirators are also charged for their involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy, which, if convicted, carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment. Defendants Ballengee, Rivera-Puga and Barraza are additionally charged with distributing methamphetamine on June 14 and 27, and July 1, 2011. Defendant Rivera-Puga is also charged with possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it on July 29, 2011.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Brady, who is prosecuting the case for the government, initial hearings will be scheduled before a United States District Court Magistrate Judge in Indianapolis. All of the defendants charged, except Cummings, are currently in United States Marshals custody pending court proceedings. Cummings remains a fugitive at this time, as law enforcement continue to search to arrest him.

The indictments are allegations only, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at trial or by guilty plea.