Law enforcement agencies take down violent Indianapolis east side street gang

Early Thursday morning, arrest and search warrants were issued and served on alleged gang members whose base of operations is loosely centered around 21st to 38th Streets along Post Road.  During the operation, 15 alleged gang leaders and their associates were taken into custody.  Prosecutors filed a total of 47 charges, ranging from A Felonies to B Misdemeanors, with the court today. Nearly 82 IMPD officers from multi-disciplinary units, as well as other public safety officers and deputy prosecutors from the MCPO’s gang unit, were involved in the planning and implementing of the operation.

“I have said for a long time that I’m tired of lip service when it comes to gangs,” said Prosecutor Curry, in his first public appearance since heart bypass surgery a month ago. “I commend Commander Haslar and IMPD for their thorough and professional police work, and our deputy prosecutors for their creative approach to applying current statutes to criminal gang activity.  Let me be clear:  if you are in a gang in Marion County, you are going to jail.”  

Thursday’s arrests are the culmination of an investigation that began in 2009.  The criminal gang activity began in 2007 and includes drive-by shootings, robberies, carjackings, burglaries, vehicle thefts, the sale of illegal drugs and guns, and other criminal acts.  In early 2011, police and deputy prosecutors further cemented the partnership, when prosecutors suggested law enforcement agencies focus on the cases involving gang members as a whole, essentially cutting the pipeline of emerging – and increasingly younger – members.  

“Today’s arrests clearly demonstrate that the law enforcement community will not tolerate or accept gang activity and violence,” said Public Safety Director Frank Straub. “We will be relentless in our pursuit of those individuals whose actions jeopardize the safety and security of our neighborhoods.  I applaud Prosecutor Curry’s use of the RICO statute to pursue those individuals arrested today, as well as the tremendous work done by the IMPD. I believe today’s actions demonstrate that the resolve of the Prosecutor’s Office, the IMPD, and all law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of all Indianapolis residents.”  


In assembling the case against gang leaders and members, deputy prosecutors will use the Indiana Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute as an additional charge against the gang members.  During his remarks, Prosecutor Curry noted this is the first time in the MCPO’s history that it has utilized the RICO statute in prosecuting gang activity.  At his direction, the MCPO will continue to pursue this strategy.  Prosecutors also will apply the Criminal Gang Activity sentencing enhancement, which doubles the total possible sentence of the felony.