INDIANAPOLIS – Eleven individuals, including a Franklin man, have been charged in a federal indictment alleging a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Indianapolis and elsewhere.
The charges follow a successful law enforcement operation in which 10 of the 11 individuals were arrested and federal agents and local officers seized eight firearms and quantities of fentanyl, meth, and marijuana.
The United States Department of Justice Attorney’s Office Southern District of Indiana says Colton K. Shorkey, 33, of Franklin, was one of the suspects taken into custody.
A multi-agency operation involving 16 agencies, including the Franklin Police Department and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, executed 22 arrest and search warrants at 11 locations in Central Indiana on Wednesday morning. Ten individuals were arrested and are in federal custody. Joseph A. Grubb, of Bloomfield, remains a fugitive.
According to the indictment, from February 2024 through November 14, 2024, all eleven defendants allegedly conspired together to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Allegedly, James L. Tyus, Jr. acted as the leader of the operation and was supplied meth by James M. Sublett Jr. The remaining nine defendants allegedly served as dealers and distributors.
The supposed meth deals took place at several locations across Indianapolis including parking lots, gas stations, apartment complexes, motels, and a gentleman’s club.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to life in federal prison.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
