Federal indictment accuses 12 Indianapolis gang members of murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and arson attacks
Indianapolis, Indiana – Federal prosecutors have unveiled a sweeping racketeering indictment accusing 12 alleged members of a violent Indianapolis criminal organization of carrying out years of drug trafficking, murder, kidnapping, arson, assaults, witness retaliation, and firearms crimes across the city.
The 28-count superseding indictment targets individuals accused of participating in what authorities described as the “Crown Hill Enterprise,” a criminal group that allegedly operated throughout Indianapolis between early 2019 and December 2024.
According to court documents, the organization allegedly distributed methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and oxycodone pills while using violence and intimidation to maintain control over its territory and operations.
Federal officials said members of the organization operated at least 11 separate “trap houses” throughout Indianapolis and even created fake business entities to hide illegal profits and conceal the movement of money connected to drug trafficking activities.
Prosecutors Describe Extreme Violence Linked to Drug Operation
Authorities alleged the organization enforced its power through shootings, beatings, kidnappings, threats, arson attacks, and murder.
“The superseding indictment in this case alleges, among other things, that these defendants shot and killed a man for slamming the door of a drug house, shot another man in the leg for a $40 drug debt, pistol-whipped at least two other people, and dealt all manner of drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
“This type of alleged drug dealing and violence ruins communities, people, and their families. Drugs and gang violence are a scourge. These groups will be dismantled and prosecuted,” Duva added.
Federal investigators alleged that defendants Tre J. Dunn and Tanesha Turner participated in multiple violent attacks tied to drug debts, rival dealers, and suspected thefts.
According to the indictment, on Nov. 3, 2024, Turner and another associate allegedly kidnapped a person over a $40 narcotics debt. Prosecutors said Dunn later shot and wounded the victim over the unpaid amount.
Authorities further alleged that one day later Dunn and another gang member beat and fatally shot another victim after the individual allegedly disrespected Turner by slamming the door at one of the organization’s trap houses.
Law enforcement officials also accused members of retaliating against suspected police informants.
On April 23, 2024, defendant Nahamani I. Sargent and other alleged gang members reportedly fired gunshots and threw Molotov cocktails at a residence connected to someone they believed had cooperated with Indianapolis police during a drug investigation.
Massive Federal Investigation Targets Violent Enterprise
Federal officials said the investigation resulted in the seizure of 35 firearms, a machinegun conversion device, drugs, and cash during multiple search warrants executed throughout the investigation.
U.S. Attorney Tom Wheeler described the organization as one that spread fear and violence throughout Indianapolis neighborhoods.
“The allegations in this indictment describe a criminal organization that maintained a grip on Indianapolis neighborhoods for years through fear, violence, and devastation,” Wheeler said.
“We will not allow groups that traffic deadly drugs, terrorize residents, and retaliate against witnesses to operate with impunity,” he added. “We are grateful for the outstanding work of our federal, state, and local partners whose collaboration made today’s charges possible.”
FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley also emphasized the importance of coordinated law enforcement action against violent criminal organizations.
“Violent criminal organizations that use fear, intimidation, and physical violence to further their operations have no place in our communities,” O’Malley said.
ATF Columbus Special Agent in Charge Jorge A. Rosendo called the alleged violence “deeply disturbing.”
“The level of violence carried out by this criminal enterprise is both incomprehensible and deeply disturbing. Taking human lives over matters so trivial offends the basic sensibilities of any civilized society,” Rosendo said.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Kendale Adams said the organization’s actions impacted countless residents throughout the community.
“This criminal organization brought violence and chaos into our community, impacting countless lives,” Adams said.
The charges filed against the defendants include racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping, assault with dangerous weapons, retaliation against witnesses, firearm possession by convicted felons, fentanyl distribution, and machinegun possession.
Among the defendants named are Tre J. Dunn, Tanesha M. Turner, Adrian J. Bullock, Avery J. Bullock, Charles T. Dunson, Byron A. Mason, Deandre Miller, Nahamani I. Sargent, Chancelor R. Walker, and others.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI Indianapolis Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and the Department of Justice Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.
Federal prosecutors emphasized that the indictment contains allegations only and that all defendants remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
