10 arrested on fraud, drug charges

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A months-long investigation has ended with 10 arrests on drug and fraud charges.

A tip from a federal agent in May regarding illegal sales of drugs and guns out of two area businesses led Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to investigate. The two businesses that allegedly were the site of the crimes were Jonathan’s Barbershop, 3939 N. Keystone Ave., and ReFurbAtronics, 3937 N. Keystone Ave. IMPD said two other locations for the businesses were involved, at 6753 and 6755 E. 38th St.

Investigators found pirated DVDs, bootleg purses and EBT benefit cards being traded for services, and expanded the case from there, IMPD said.

PHOTOS | Photos of those arrested

On Thursday, police served four warrants and seized 12 vehicles, several laptops, marijuana, pirated DVDs, stolen hats, 68 flat screen TVs, four handguns, a shotgun and $6,700 in cash.

SWAT officers were also involved to apprehend one of the suspects who also faced federal firearms charges as a result of the investigation.

Arrested were Jonathan Barker, Angela Barker, Jamarson Fitzgerald, Dashaun Bush, Dietrich Rhodes,Jomo Cole, Gordon Parker, Andrew Jefferson, Carlos Pope, and Charles Henderson all of Indianapolis. They face preliminary charges including conspiracy to commit dealing in a narcotic drug, conspiracy to commit welfare fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, corrupt business influence.

Four others were arrested for various charges including possession of marijuana. Not arrested, but still wanted by police, are Gordon Parker and Carlos Pope.