Multi-state drug rings bringing meth, opioids to Evansville net federal charges

Tori Fater
Evansville
Illustration Image: Illegal drugs, opioids

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Seven people face federal drug charges for reportedly dealing methamphetamine and narcotics in and around Evansville, U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler announced Thursday.

Local and federal law enforcement seized eight guns, about five pounds of heroin, several hundred Oxycodone pills and more than $1 million in cash while investigating two Evansville men police believe were dealing opioids.

Justin Helsley and Nicholas Grayson, both 27, were charged with conspiracy to distribute Oxycodone, according to Minkler's office. Oxycodone is a prescription painkiller and an opioid, a highly addictive class of drug. Investigators believe Helsley bought narcotics from a supplier in California, and Grayson helped him distribute them.

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Both men were arrested in California. Members of the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force, Warrick County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration executed search warrants to seize drugs, guns and cash during the investigation.

"Those who deal drugs in this community bring a great deal of violence and prey on the vulnerabilities of those with substance abuse problems," said Doug Freyberger of the DEA. "We will continue to work with our local partners to make this community a safer place to live, work and raise a family."

Four more people were indicted in connection with a drug ring that reportedly used UPS to ship crystal meth from California to an apartment building on Evansville's East Side.

Seroy Mobley, Carl Kirkland, Seneca Binder and Eric Wilkerson were all charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine after a grand jury's review.

Court documents show Kirkland is accused of shipping meth to Mobley in Evansville from California. Mobley reportedly spread the drug to mid-level distributors in southwest Indiana and northern Kentucky, including Binder and Wilkerson.

Mobley is accused of distributing four ounces of meth at a time during four deals from January to March this year. Kirkland allegedly shipped about a pound of crystal meth to Mobley's home in late March.

Law enforcement reported finding 350 grams of meth — about 12.3 ounces — and a gun in Mobley's home. 

The final case was filed against Demarco Davis, 37, of Evansville, who is charged with conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.

Davis was arrested after a sting operation and controlled delivery of what was supposed to be 10 pounds of crystal meth at the Tropicana Casino Hotel. He was taken into custody by the DEA and Drug Task Force on July 23 after the alleged deal. 

The suspects indicted and charged in these cases will be prosecuted in federal court in the Southern District of Indiana.

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