19 charged in 'large-scale' arrest and search operation in central Indiana (2024)

Officials are still searching for Jaraughn Bertram, Joaquin Carranza and Jordan Sumner. The ATF announced a reward of $5,000 for any tips that lead to the arrest of each of the three fugitives.

"When you have armed, prolific drug traffickers with arsenals of weapons, that's something that the federal, state and local law enforcement have to work together and put a stop to," said Zachary Myers, US Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.

Here's the list of those facing charges:

Click here to read the charges each person is facing.

Approximately 200 officers and agents took part in Thursday's operation, according to an ATF spokesperson, which led to 16 arrests from 18 locations in central Indiana and Arizona.

Court documents say Jaraughn Bertram and Deondre Perry allegedly led drug trafficking organizations in central Indiana that trafficked significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Arizona to the Indianapolis, Anderson and Muncie areas.

"We will spend the time that it takes to identify everyone involved, to find where you're hiding your drugs, where you're hiding your guns. We will get warrants, we will seize them, we will prosecute you and we will hold you accountable in court," said Myers.

According to court documents, the drug trafficking organizations also had firearms, including weapons that were converted into fully-automatic firearms, or machine guns.

During the yearlong investigation into these organizations, officers seized the following drugs and money:

If convicted, each defendant faces up to life in federal prison.

"Face the charges against you. Put up any defense you may have but come in safely. I encourage you to turn yourself in but know that we're not waiting for that and we're going to come find you," said Myers.

13News had been at one location on the city's near east side at North Tuxedo and East St. Clair streets, near East Michigan Street and North Sherman Drive, since 6:15 a.m., where there has been heavy police presence.

"All of a sudden you hear like this big boom, and it's like somebody blew something up," Perry Davidson said.

That big boom Davidson heard at 6 a.m. forced him to roll out of his bed and onto the floor.

When Perry opened his door, he said he saw multiple officers in the front yard, blocking the street and a helicopter flying above.

"I look over, and lo and behold, it's my neighbors here, and then you just hear the yelling of 'get down on the ground,'" Davidson said.

13News crews were also on the scene of two other raids Thursday morning.      

A large police presence could be seen near East Michigan Street and North Sherman Drive.

Several agents were also seen coming and going from a home on Dequincy and Minnesota streets.

"We go through this about every five years," Eric Scott said, who has lived in the area for nearly 20 years. "That house has got traffic patterns that would suggest that people are going in and out for way too short a period of time, but it's not the only one in the neighborhood."

"The first time, there was no boom. There was no helicopter. There was no dog," Davidson said, who feels better knowing the authorities are watching. "It makes me feel safe that they're actually paying attention and watching."