(Photo : ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP via Getty Images)
A worker puts a prostheses to "Pay de Limon" (Lemon Pie) that had its front legs cut off by the drug trafficking group Los Zetas some 10 years ago, at "Milagros Caninos", the first sanctuary in Latin America for dogs in extreme situation, in Xohimilco neighbourhood, Mexico City on February 7, 2023. - At present, the sanctuary houses around 400 dogs and 80 cats.
Authorities in Indiana have disclosed a shocking and profoundly disturbing criminal case that has resulted in the indictment of 21 people on charges ranging from dogfighting to drug trafficking.
The US Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary Myers announced this during a press conference on Thursday.
Indiana Dogfighting Gang
The origins of this troubling indictment can be traced to a thorough investigation that began in 2022. This investigation targeted two individuals who allegedly collaborated to smuggle various hazardous narcotics from Mexico into the United States, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
Per CNN, Myers describes how these illegal substances were subsequently distributed throughout the streets of Indianapolis and central Indiana. One of the putative perpetrators, identified as Gregory Henderson Jr., is currently at large.
In addition to other defendants identified in the indictment, Henderson Jr. is accused of orchestrating the distribution of these dangerous drugs in and around the capital city of Indiana. Further investigation by law enforcement revealed that the individuals involved in this illicit operation were members of a neighborhood gang known as the "34th Street Gangster Disciples."
During the press conference, FBI Special Agent in Charge Herb Stapleton revealed that it is suspected that this gang had connections to drug supplies sourced from the notorious Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, as per USA Today.
As the investigation progressed, authorities uncovered a profoundly disturbing aspect of the case: a significant dogfighting operation. Those identified in the indictment were allegedly involved in organizing brutal and inhumane dogfights for entertainment and gambling purposes.
The authorities intervened promptly to rescue approximately 90 dogs who had been subjected to this heinous cruelty.
US Attorney Zachary Myers expressed grave concern for the mistreatment of these animals, stating, "The allegations are deeply disturbing about the many dogs that were forced to engage in these violent and horrific fights for the pleasure of and the gambling of the individuals who allegedly lacked the humanity to see what was wrong with what they were doing and chose to engage in that conduct repeatedly over an extended period of time."
Myers sought to reassure the public that the rescued canines and puppies have been relocated to a safe location where they are receiving the behavioral evaluations and care they so justly deserve.
"The ultimate objective is to ensure that all of these dogs are adopted and placed in a loving home," he emphasized.
21 Indicted, 18 Detained, and Fugitives Sought
FBI Special Agent in Charge Herb Stapleton elaborated on the operation by disclosing that law enforcement executed warrants in approximately 30 locations. The majority of these locations were in Indiana, with a few in Ohio and Kentucky. 18 of the 21 indicted individuals are presently detained by the federal government.
According to Fox59, the FBI is offering a reward of $5,000 for information leading to the capture of fugitive Gregory Henderson Jr. In addition, investigators are actively seeking information on another fugitive named in the indictment, Maurice Ervin.
Grave allegations are brought against those implicated in this case. Each person charged with conspiracy to engage in animal fighting faces the possibility of five years in federal prison. According to the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Indiana, those charged with conspiracy to traffic in controlled substances face the possibility of life in prison.
This profoundly disturbing case is a stark reminder of the pervasive presence of disturbing criminal activity in our society. It also highlights law enforcement agencies' unwavering dedication and commitment to combating such heinous offenses.
As the investigation continues to unfold and the legal proceedings advance, additional developments are anticipated to cast light on the gravity of this harrowing case.
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