INDIANAPOLIS - In September of this year, 21 individuals were charged in a federal indictment alleging trafficking of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine; money laundering; illegally possessing firearms; and dog fighting.On December 6th, 2023, execution of additional search warrants in Indianapolis, Anderson, and Muncie resulted in seven additional arrests related to the September indictment. Federal agents also seized 12 firearms; significant quantities of controlled substances; over $42,075 in cash; dog fighting paraphernalia; and approximately 75 dogs. The following men were each charged with Conspiracy to engage in an Animal Fighting Venture:

Prison; image by Emiliano Bar, via Unsplash.com.

• Ryan Hicks, 37

• Willie Lee, 47

• Marven Carswell, 71

• Ernest Young, 49

• Brent Hutchinson, 43

• Robert Hamer, 41

• Daymond Mason, 49

If convicted, each defendant charged with conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture faces up to 5 years in federal prison. The following investigative agencies collaborated to make this investigation and the recent warrant executions possible:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation- Indianapolis

• U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

• Drug Enforcement Administration

• Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigation

• Indiana Gaming Commission

• Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department

Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle P. Brady and Adam J. Eakman, who are prosecuting this case.An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.