Illegal Gambling, Dogfighting Raid in Indiana Leads To Arrest of 18 People

Article by : Erik Gibbs Oct 9, 2023

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A federal indictment has been filed against 21 individuals, accusing them of various offences, including trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, money laundering, illegal possession of firearms and involvement in dog fighting.

The charges stem from an extensive law enforcement operation that arrested 18 of the 21 individuals.

During the operation, federal agents seized over 40 firearms, significant quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, more than $55,000 in cash and approximately 90 dogs.

This operation involved the collaboration of over 300 federal, state and local law enforcement officers, who executed arrest and search warrants at 25 locations in Central Indiana on August 31, 2023. Eighteen individuals are now in federal custody, while two remain fugitives: Gregory Henderson and Jr. Maurice Ervin.

Law enforcement is seeking assistance from the public in locating fugitive Gregory Henderson Jr., and the FBI is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

According to court documents, Gregory Henderson Jr. and Ramiro Rico De Leon collaborated in smuggling fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine from Mexico into the United States.

Henderson was the primary supplier to lower-level dealers who distributed the drugs in Indianapolis and surrounding areas.

Some dealers, including Vicencio, Foster, Taylor, Smith, Gilbert, Bennet, Easter, Eggert and Stewart, were responsible for transporting controlled substances from Kentucky to Indiana.

Henderson and De Leon used wire transfers to cover drug distribution expenses, and Henderson paid his dealers using CashApp.

During the investigation, law enforcement uncovered a significant dog fighting and illegal gambling operation based in Indianapolis.

Several individuals, including Gregory Henderson Jr., Christopher Norfolk, Maurice Ervin, Michael Sanders, James Croons, Charles Richardson III, Landon Jones, Edward Bronaugh, Donovan Tipler and Marvin Johnson Jr., were identified as dog owners who maintained dogs for fighting purposes.

Ervin also acted as a referee during fights, weighing the dogs and holding the money until the fights concluded. Tipler, Croons and Ervin served as handlers, motivating the dogs to fight, while Jones and Norfolk were sponsors who provided venues for the fights.

Members of this group have a history of convictions for animal cruelty and promoting dog fighting. For instance 2001, IMPD officers discovered seven pit bulls in poor condition at Michael Sanders’ home, showing signs of neglect and injuries consistent with dog fighting.

In 2005, Christopher Norfolk was convicted of animal torture after four dogs were seized from his residence. Richardson III and Ervin have also faced multiple convictions related to animal torture.

The investigation began in 2022, and in 2023, multiple search warrants were executed, leading to the seizure of significant evidence, including drugs, firearms, cash, and dog-fighting equipment.

If convicted, those charged with conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture could face up to 5 years in federal prison, while those charged with conspiracy to traffic-controlled substances could face life imprisonment.