IMPD and DEA bust multimillion-dollar Indianapolis dope-dealing ring

Six Indianapolis-area residents have been charged in a multimillion-dollar marijuana distribution network, U.S. Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced Friday.

The group faces charges including conspiracy to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, money laundering and unlawful possession of a firearm, according to the news release. 

The six arrested are: 

• Joseph Pickett Sr., 46, Indianapolis.
• Darrell Pickett, 52, Indianapolis.
• Shiela Stepp, 54, Indianapolis.
• Leonard Allen Jr., 48, Mooresville.
• Kelly Spinks Jr., 33, Speedway.
• William Belew Jr., 32, Martinsville.

Their indictment alleges that between June 2015 and March 2017, members of the drug ring traveled to California to retrieve marijuana and brought it back to Indianapolis. In at least 20 of those instances, they flew via commercial airlines. In other cases, they drove a motor home.

Once in Indianapolis, the marijuana allegedly was stored on the city's west side, with members of the ring removing various amounts for redistribution, the indictment says. 

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In total, authorities confiscated 181 firearms, seven of which were stolen in Indiana; 21 vehicles; two motor homes; 16 motorcycles; $19,000 in jewelry; more than $4.5 million in cash; and 280 pounds of high-grade marijuana, according to a news release.

"Drug dealing brings guns and violence into our communities," Minkler said in a news release. "Those who feel they can deal drugs without consequences in this district should think again."

In April, Spinks and Belew each were charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana after officers found more than $2 million in cash, 30 firearms and more than 270 pounds of marijuana between their two homes and a west-side warehouse. 

The case was investigated by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

Greg Westfall, DEA assistant special agent in charge, said the investigation was a success in part because of cross-agency cooperation.

"Drug trafficking contributes to the unstableness and violence we observe within our communities today," Westfall said. "The DEA, through its core mission and its law enforcement partnerships, bring safety to your neighborhoods by investigating and bringing to justice, criminal organizations that poison our streets with illegal drugs."

Prosecutors say Allen faces up to 10 years if convicted, while the remaining five face 10 years to life imprisonment.

Call IndyStar reporter Holly Hays at (317) 444-6156. Follow her on Twitter: @hollyvhays.