‘Operation Electric Avenue’ results in federal charges against Grundy, more than 20 others
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Richard Grundy III, a man referred to by local authorities as a murderous gang leader, is now facing federal charges.
To date, Grundy has evaded serious jail time in numerous cases, including having murder charges dropped due to an unreliable witness.
Now, federal charges have been filed against Grundy and more than 20 other people.
“Drug dealing fuels violence and the addiction epidemic our community faces each and every day,” said United States Attorney Josh Minkler. “My goal is to make Indianapolis the most inhospitable place in the country to sell illegal drugs. Violent criminals who conduct criminal activity in and around Indianapolis will feel the full force of federal law enforcement.”
Charges include conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of controlled substances and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
Numerous law enforcement agencies conducted raids at 24 locations in Indianapolis and Phoenix, Arizona on Friday. A total of 21 people were arrested. Investigators said more than 30 guns, $100,000 in cash and numerous types of drugs were found during the raids.
Fourteen people are charged in one federal filing. Eleven people, including known Grundy associates David Carroll and Lance Hatcher, Jr., are named in a second document.
Suspects named in the first document are:
- Richard Grundy III
- Ezell Neville
- Conway Jefferson
- Gilberto Vizcarro-Millan
- Mario Eduado Villasenor
- Emilio Mitchell II
- Emilio Mitchell, Jr.
- Lance Hatcher, Jr.
- Thomas Bullock
- Dion Madison
- Frank Early
- Frankie Ray
- Christopher Bradford
- Daona Le’Ann Gholston
Named in the second document:
- David Carroll
- Michael Hyatte
- Lance Hatcher, Jr.
- Nathaniel Dixson
- Conway Jefferson
- Derek Atwater
- Robert Lisenby, Jr.
- Torin Harris
- John Bell
- Shemilah Crowe
- James Beasley
Several of those people are still wanted. Emilio Mitchell II, Emilio Mitchell, Jr., Frank Early and Gilberto Vizcarra-Millan remain fugitives.
Federal investigators allege that Grundy, Neville, Jefferson, Carroll and other pooled money together to buy meth in Phoenix, Arizona from Gilberto Vizcarro-Millan and Mario Eduado Villasenor. Various members used residences to stash drugs while others would sell them around the Indianapolis area. Investigators said the group used code language over the telephone to facilitate deals.
“The Citizens of Indianapolis have a fundamental right not to live in fear. On Friday our Federal, State, and local partners executed simultaneous warrants in an effort to remove those believed to be responsible for significant violence and pain in our community,” said IMPD Chief Bryan Roach in a statement. “Today’s announcement sends a clear message that law enforcement, and our community, will not waiver on efforts to identify and hold accountable those believed to be responsible for committing violent acts. I am grateful for the cooperative effort and continued focus on making Indianapolis a safer community.”
“We continue to see the results of collaboration among federal, state, and county agencies in this investigation. We appreciate the multi-agency cooperation aimed at pursuing those individuals who perpetuate the violence which compromises the safety of our community,” Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry said. “In addition to the new federal charges, many of these individuals may now also face additional penalties related to their prior state felony convictions.”
Suspects were caught dealing drugs in public locations, such as the BP gas station at 38th Street and Meridian Street and the McDonald’s at 16th Street and Meridian Street. Investigators also said that Emilio Mitchell, Jr. tried to transport 75 pounds of marijuana on an American Airlines flight from Phoenix to Indianapolis.
Investigators also said that Grundy posted a video to Facebook on Nov. 3 where he threatened to kill people that cooperated with the feds.
Grundy and others were arrested last Friday. Grundy had avoided jail time just eight weeks prior, where he stated that he was planning to move to West Coast.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett released this statement:
For years, Indianapolis neighborhoods have faced brazen violence and lawlessness orchestrated by the Grundy Crew. Their wrongdoing is exactly why we have redoubled our efforts to promote collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement partners.
Thanks to their work, these bad actors are once again behind bars and dozens of illegally possessed weapons are off the streets.
On behalf of our city, I’d like to thank United States Attorney Josh Minkler and the FBI for their swift work over the weekend in apprehending the accused. Because of their efforts, our community is safer this week than it was last.
Violent gangs that plague too many parts of our state don’t see jurisdictional lines, and neither should we. By standing together, we send a powerful message: We will not give up the fight against those who are putting our neighborhoods in danger and the safety of our city at risk.”
Most of the defendants face a maximum penalty of life in prison.
