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Release [print
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JAN 28 --(Merrillville, IN) – A 2001 Mercedes Benz, 2005 Bentley Continental GT, 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT and 2007 American Ironhorse Texas Chopper Motorcycle have all been listed in an federal indictment seeking forfeiture of the property from Schererville resident Kevin Carter. Carter, 35, aka “Chocolate,” was one of six men arrested by federal agents and has been indicted on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine, over fifty grams of ‘crack’ cocaine, and a quantity marijuana. The 30 count indictment also seeks forfeiture of Carter’s residence located at 7612 Foxwood Drive in Schererville.
The long term joint investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Merrillville Resident Office and the Lake County Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA), the United States Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Indiana, and the Internal Revenue Service. Other police agencies assisting with the investigation included the police departments in Gary, Schererville, Hobart, East Chicago, Merrillville, Munster, Griffith, Dyer, and Hammond. In addition to the indictments, three federal search warrants at locations in Hobart and Schererville resulted in the seizure of approximately $105,000 in US Currency, and 122 pounds of marijuana. A separate individual, Tamika Cook, was taken into custody and charged with possession to distribute a controlled substance. Also indicted and arrested: The investigation into the alleged crack cocaine trafficking activities of this organization began over two years ago. During that time, 11 individuals have been arrested, approximately 1 pound of crack cocaine and 125 pounds of marijuana has been seized, as well as approximately $350,000 in U.S. Currency along with property and vehicles valued in excess of $600,000. “This investigation all came together because of interagency cooperation,” stated Gary G. Olenkiewicz, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Chicago Field Division. “If these defendants are convicted, the proceeds of any forfeited properties will be shared between all the police agencies involved to be put into use for law enforcement purposes.” The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick and Joshua Kolar. The public is reminded that an indictment is an allegation only, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at trial or by guilty plea. ### |
