WASHINGTON— The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Indiana announced Wednesday two indictments charging six persons in what is alleged to be the largest cocaine distribution network in the greater Fort Wayne, Indiana, area, officials said.
There were five people charged with conspiracy to deliver more than five kilograms of cocaine, according to authorities:
- Allan L. Bates, 37, of Fort Wayne, Indiana
- James W. Lepper, 66, of Butler, Indiana
- Larry J. Norton, 63, of Mission Texas, formerly of Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Eric D. White, 52, of Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Ryan Bowman, 35, of Payne, Ohio.
One individual, DeWayne Lewis, 40, of Greenwood, Indiana was charged in a separate indictment with possession with intent to deliver over five kilograms.
All defendants are in custody and are being held without bond.
During the course of this extensive investigation, law enforcement executed 17 federal searches in Indiana, Ohio and Texas.
In addition, the DeKalb County and Johnson County Prosecutor’s offices obtained two state search warrants, officials said.
Officials said all of these searches resulted in the seizure of more than 100 kilograms of cocaine, over $5.9 million in U.S. currency and numerous firearms and vehicles.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.