INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis man has been convicted of trafficking methamphetamine and being heavily armed while doing it.
Manuel L. Brown was found guilty by a federal jury Friday. According to court documents, on Sept. 3, 2020, Fishers police saw a Dodge Caravan, later identified as being driven by Brown, committing multiple traffic violations.
Officers pulled Brown over for what they thought would be a routine traffic stop. Court documents then say that a K-9 unit was called in and detected drugs.
As officers searched the van, they located a glass pipe with meth residue in the center console. Officers also found four different firearms, three revolvers and a pistol, two of which were loaded in addition to 214 grams of methamphetamine, 20 grams of heroin and fentanyl, and multiple boxes of ammunition.
Brown was also found to have been carrying $1,750 in cash, plastic bags and digital scales. Cell phone records show numerous messages relating to drug trafficking along with photos of drugs on scales and firearms.
At the time of his arrest, Brown had a previous conviction for felony criminal confinement.
“Illegal guns and deadly drugs are a scourge on our neighborhoods, and armed drug traffickers like this defendant will continue to be a priority for federal prosecution,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.
Brown's sentencing date has not yet been announced.
