INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — The latest war on crime in the Circle City has landed 14 people behind bars facing federal charges.
Local, state and federal authorities arrested suspects Tuesday in what they called Operation Little Dipper. The group is suspected in drug sales in north Indianapolis neighborhoods.
Court documents name 14 suspects allegedly conducting criminal activity centered about meth, marijuana, pills and weapons. In one case, Homeland Security investigators intercepted a package mailed to one of the suspects from Hong Kong that contained illegal drugs.
During the operation, investigators kept the suspects, their homes, their cars, their cell phones and even their social media accounts under surveillance.
The men reportedly posted music and photos dubbing themselves "stupid stars" so investigators named their operation using a constellation theme.
After Metro police officers unveiled a large poster of those arrested, U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler didn't mince words about the crackdown.
“We are looking at who is responsible for the gun violence and we are going after them,” said Minkler.
The undercover sting started two years ago as officers secretly watched the suspects every move on drug and gun sales. They also started tracking ballistics to connect crimes scenes and people connected to gunfire runs.
Investigators got search warrants to start building a case against the suspects.
“We used wiretaps, we used surveillance,” said Minkler “We used search warrants. We spared no expense, we spared no effort."
For example, court documents show after tapping a cell phone, investigators confiscated a rifle that had been modified to fire off faster rounds.
“We need to buy a gun back, bro,” suspect Michael Graham reportedly told co-defendant Ricky Wilburn.
Wilburn allegedly replied, “I will get you another gun by tomorrow bro."
Investigators also tracked suspects on social media and included several snapshots in the court documents that outline the alleged crimes.
Suspect Devon Price is seen in a video police say is posted on social media about their crimes. The video was recorded at a house in the 2600 block of Rural St. That same house was under surveillance for months and raided as part of the undercover sting.
IMPD Chief Bryan Roach says their message is clear.
“Those of you involved in violence you’ve heard what that message is we know who you are and we are coming," Roach said.
Roach said he suspects there are other criminal groups operating under the same methods as the large-scale operation they just dismantled.
Partnering with federal authorities means those convicted can face stiffer penalties.
“There is no probation, there is no parole, there is no community corrections, there is no home incarceration, there is no halfway house,” said Minkler.
Those arrested include Devon Price, 31, who is also known as Big Mike, William Bobo, 25, Michael Graham, 23, aka Mike-Mike, Alan Wann, 20, who also goes by Boogie, 21-year-old Dujaun Terry, aka Juan-Juan & Youngster, Ricky Wilburn, 24, and 25 year old Henry Phillips. All of them are from Indianapolis.
The other Indianapolis residents arrested include Mose Bell, 42, William Elliott, 24, Corey Gibson, 39, Tracey Hollowell, 23, Derrick Motley, 27, Jonathan Talley, 25 and 43-year-old Larry Wood.
Investigators say with the arrests, northside neighborhoods will see a reduction in violent crime.