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11 charged in Indianapolis meth trafficking conspiracy

Federal investigators say the men and women were part of a conspiracy to distribute drugs around central Indiana.

INDIANAPOLIS — Eleven people are facing federal charges after a sting involving 16 agencies at 11 locations around central Indiana on Nov. 20, 2024. 

Ten of the 11 people indicted were arrested during the operation, with federal agents and local officers seizing eight guns and quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and marijuana.

According to the federal indictment, between February and November, every member of the group conspired to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine. The names of the suspects charged are: 

  • Matthew R.P. Fishman, 38, Bloomington
  • Megan L. Gaskin, 29, Indianapolis
  • Joseph A. Grubb, 37, Bloomfield
  • Amanda N. Hornaday, 40, Indianapolis
  • Candace L. Rich, 44, Indianapolis
  • Ashley N. Russell, 38, Indianapolis
  • Colton K. Shorkey, 33, Franklin
  • James M. Sublett Jr., 39, Westfield
  • James L. Tyus Jr., 39, Indianapolis
  • Kelly A. Willis, 52, Indianapolis
  • Thomas R. Winkley, 45, Indianapolis

Investigators believe Tyus was the ringleader of the conspiracy. Grubb is the suspect who is still at large. 

"It's one thing to disrupt the drug supply," Deputy Chief of IMPD Kendale Adams said. "But we're also going after the violence that's often associated with the drug supply." 

Investigators say the deals took place at a variety of Indianapolis locations, including parking lots, gas stations, apartment complexes, motels and a gentleman's club. 

“Getting deadly drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl off our streets is a top priority for our office,” Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, said. “That is why working with our partners at DEA, IMPD, and across federal, state, and local law enforcement is so important. We are committed to identifying drug traffickers and holding them accountable in federal court.”

A wide number of federal, local and state agencies were involved in the case: 

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