Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh Minkler today announced federal criminal charges against 26 individuals reaching from Indianapolis to Phoenix, Arizona, one of which is Richard Grundy III.

“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.  Violent criminals who conduct criminal activity in and around Indianapolis will feel the full force of federal law enforcement.”

Agents and officers from a number of agencies served arrest and search warrants at 24 locations in Indianapolis and Phoenix, Arizona last Friday ultimately arresting 21 individuals.  During the investigation approximately 30 firearms, $100,000 in currency, and quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, and prescription drugs were seized.

Those charged include:

Richard B. Grundy, III, 28, a/k/a White Boy, Indianapolis

Ezell Neville, 39, a/k/a Bo, Indianapolis

Gilberto Vizcarra-Millan, 31, Phoenix, AZ *

Mario Eduado Villasenor, 34, Phoenix, AZ

Emilio Mitchell, II, 40, a/k/a Loaf, Indianapolis *

Emilio Mitchell, Jr., 23, Indianapolis *

Lance L. Hatcher, Jr., 33, a/k/a Mont Mont, Indianapolis

Thomas Bullock, 19, Indianapolis

Dion G. Madison, 31, a/k/a D, Indianapolis

Frank S. Early, 22, Indianapolis *

Frankie B. Ray, 29, a/k/a Fresh, Indianapolis

Christopher D. Bradford, 24, Indianapolis

Daona Le’Ann Gholston, 19, Indianapolis

David C. Carroll, 35, Indianapolis

Michael Hyatte, 47, Indianapolis

Nathaniel Dixson, 33, a/k/a Dog, Indianapolis

Derek Atwater, 31, a/k/a Shorty, Indianapolis

Robert Lisenby, Jr., 32, a/k/a Russ, Indianapolis

Torin A. Harris, 31, Indianapolis

John E. Bell, 51, Indianapolis

Shemilah D. Crowe, 37, Indianapolis

James O. Beasley, 37, a/k/a Jake, Indianapolis

Dejuan Love, 41, Indianapolis *

Larry Ayres, 37, Indianapolis

Clinton Carter, 39, Indianapolis

Brandon Hudson, 27, Indianapolis

* remains a fugitive – pictures attached

According to the indictment, Richard B. Grundy, III, was the alleged leader of a drug trafficking organization that operated in Indianapolis.  Grundy and other individuals, including Ezell Neville and David Carroll, pooled their money to obtain methamphetamine from sources in the Phoenix, Arizona area.  The methamphetamine was then transported to Indianapolis, stored in “stash houses” for the Grundy organization and later distributed.

According to the indictment, throughout the conspiracy the defendants allegedly possessed firearms to safeguard members of the organization, as well as their controlled substances and drug proceeds.  Further, they used telephones using code language to discuss their drug trafficking operation.

 This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Fishers Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, and the Indiana State Police.

“The FBI is uniquely positioned to target transnational criminal enterprises like this that use violence in the commission of their illegal activities,” said W. Jay Abbott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division.  “Working collaboratively with our federal, state, and local partners we are able to disrupt and dismantle these groups so they can no longer terrorize our communities.”

“Violent drug trafficking organizations are a top priority for the DEA, and we stand united with our federal, state, and local partners to protect our communities and preserve the rule of law,” said Greg Westfall, DEA Assistant Special Agent Charge. 

"We do not accept violence as the norm in our cities and streets," said Trevor Velinor, ATF Special Agent in Charge.  "We will continue our efforts towards a safer reality for all our residents.  I recognize the committed efforts of our law enforcement partners for their cooperation and hard work to bring these individuals to justice.  I would also like to thank the citizens of Indianapolis who support our collective efforts to ensure a safer community for all of us."

“The Citizens of Indianapolis have a fundamental right not to live in fear.  On Friday our Federal, State, and local partners executed simultaneous warrants in an effort to remove those believed to be responsible for significant violence and pain in our community,” said Chief Roach. “Today’s announcement sends a clear message that law enforcement, and our community, will not waiver on efforts to identify and hold accountable those believed to be responsible for committing violent acts.  I am grateful for the cooperative effort and continued focus on making Indianapolis a safer community.”

“We continue to see the results of collaboration among federal, state, and county agencies in this investigation.  We appreciate the multi-agency cooperation aimed at pursuing those individuals who perpetuate the violence which compromises the safety of our community,” Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry said.  “In addition to the new federal charges, many of these individuals may now also face additional penalties related to their prior state felony convictions.”

According to Drug and Violent Drug Chief Bradley A. Blackington, most of the defendants face up to life imprisonment if convicted.

An indictment is merely a charge and not evidence of guilt.  All defendant are considered innocent until proven guilty in federal court.  

 

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