Four Sentenced for Cocaine Operation Hidden Inside Indianapolis Business

 

Four individuals have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing at least 55 kilograms of cocaine throughout Central Indiana.

Defendant	Charge(s)	Sentence
Kristopher Chavez, 38, Gary, Indiana	Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine	8 years, 11 months in federal prison; 5 years supervised release
Eric Kendrick, 45, Fishers, Indiana	Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine	11 years, 8 months in federal prison; 5 years supervised release
Delray Bragg, 42, Richmond, Indiana	Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Kilograms or More of Cocaine	5 years, 11 months in federal prison; 3 years supervised release
Joaquin A. Ramirez-Molina, 41, of Phoenix, Arizona	Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Controlled Substances	4 years, 9 months in federal prison; 3 years supervised release

According to court documents, law enforcement identified a drug trafficking organization operating out of a near east-side Indianapolis business in 2023. Investigators learned that in 2019, Eric Kendrick leased commercial property at 5641 Massachusetts Avenue. Law enforcement discovered that Kendrick used this location as a stash house for storing and distributing cocaine.

On May 31, 2023, courier Joaquin Ramirez‑Molina arrived at the stash house with two suitcases filled with cocaine. Around the same time, Kristopher Chavez arrived with contraband in his vehicle, and the pair retrieved items used to repackage the drugs, including a vacuum sealer, heat‑seal bags, duct tape, and a black duffel bag containing $200,000 in cash for payment.

Moments later, Delray Bragg arrived to pick up ten kilograms of cocaine for redistribution. As he left the property, IMPD officers conducted a traffic stop. Before officers searched his vehicle, Bragg alerted other members of the organization via text message, prompting them to flee the stash house.

Subsequent searches of the property and the defendants’ residences followed. In total, the investigation recovered the following contraband and proceeds of criminal activity:

• $582,591 in cash
• 55 kilograms of cocaine
• Ruger 57 Pistol 
• Glock 23 Gen 5 Pistol 
• Glock 22 Gen 4 Pistol 
• Glock 19 Pistol
• Glock 27 Pistol
• Sig Saurer Pistol
• Pioneer Arms Co. Handgun
• 2023 Mercedes Benz 
• 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu 
• 2014 Chevrolet Camaro 
• Assorted ammunition

“Shipments containing multiple kilograms of cocaine, delivered in suitcases, underscores the profound danger these drugs pose. The larger the number of drugs, the larger the threat to our community, and accordingly the more aggressive the response of my office and our law enforcement partners,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Our federal prosecutors remain steadfast in partnering with the DEA, ATF and local drug task forces to remove dealers from our streets. These poisons are devastating our neighborhoods and the people we love, and we are committed to confronting that harm with every tool at our disposal.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, IMPD, and the Hamilton/Boone Drug Task Force investigated this case. 

The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge James R. Sweeney II. 

IBM Pays $17 Million to Resolve Allegations of Discrimination Through Illegal DEI Practices

 

Acting Attorney General Blanche Announces First Civil Rights Fraud Initiative Resolution

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the first False Claims Act resolution secured under the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, which he launched in May 2025.  International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) has agreed to pay the United States $17,077,043, inclusive of civil penalties, to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to comply with anti-discrimination requirements in its federal contracts due to practices the United States contends discriminated against employees and applicants for employment because of race, color, national origin, or sex.

Most federal contracts contain provisions that require contractors to comply with anti-discrimination requirements as to employees and applicants for employment.  As a condition to being a federal contractor, the company must certify that it will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, national origin, or sex and must further certify that it will take steps to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment, without regard to race, color, national origin, or sex. The settlement resolves allegations that IBM failed to comply with these requirements and knowingly maintained practices that the United States contends were discriminatory employment practices.

“Racial discrimination is illegal, and government contractors cannot evade the law by repackaging it as DEI,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The Department launched the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative to root out this misconduct, hold offenders accountable, and end this practice for good.”    

In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that IBM took significant steps entitling it to credit for cooperating with the government in its investigation.  IBM made early disclosures of facts relevant to the government’s investigation gathered during IBM’s independent investigation, including information to assist in the calculation of damages and penalties.  The company also undertook voluntary remedial measures, including the termination and/or modification of various programs and practices at issue.   

“Merit drives promotion and opportunity. Not someone’s sex or race,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “Today’s settlement proves this Department’s commitment to ensure companies are not using taxpayer funded work to further woke unconstitutional practices in American workplaces.”

“The Nation’s anti-discrimination laws are clear and reflect our basic commitment that opportunity, compensation, and advancement should turn on merit and performance, and not immutable characteristics,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brenna E. Jenny. “When a company accepts federal funding while engaging in practices that sort, prefer, or disadvantage employees on the basis of race or sex, the company is stepping outside the conditions under which the government agreed to contract with them, and we will hold them accountable.”

The United States alleged that IBM took race, color, national origin, or sex into account when making employment decisions, including by using a diversity modifier that tied bonus compensation to achieving demographic targets.  The government further alleged that IBM altered interview criteria based on race or sex through the use of “diverse interview slates” and other related employment practices in connection with identifying “diverse” candidates for hiring, transfer, or promotion.  Additionally, the government alleged that IBM developed race and sex demographic goals for business units and took race and sex into account when making employment decisions to achieve progress towards those demographic goals.  Finally, the United States alleged that IBM offered certain training, partnerships, mentoring, leadership development programs and educational opportunities only to certain employees, with eligibility, participation, access or admission limited on the basis of race or sex.   

The settlement can be viewed  here.   

The matter was handled by the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section.

The claims resolved by the United States in the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

Governor Hochul Directs State Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former Representative Eliot Engel

Flags Will Be Flown at Half-Staff Across New York State April 12, From Sunrise to Sunset

Governor Kathy Hochul directed flags to be lowered at half-staff to honor the life and public service of Former Representative Eliot Engel, who passed away on Friday, April 10, at the age of 79. Flags will be lowered from sunrise to sunset.

“The son of Ukrainian-Jewish immigrants, Eliot Engel brought the best of the lower Hudson Valley and the Bronx to Congress,” Governor Hochul said. “I had the honor of serving alongside Eliot, who fought tirelessly for the people he served in his 44 years as a public servant. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones today.”

Former Representative Eliot Engel represented the Bronx and Westchester for over three decades. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and children.

 

Mayor Mamdani Unveils Website Tracking First 100 Days Achievements

New interactive map shows achievements across the five boroughs — from fighting for workers and tenants, to delivering universal child care and improving roads.  

*** VISIT WEBSITE HERE ***  

 

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced today the launch of a new website to keep New Yorkers informed about the administration’s first 100 days. The site features an interactive map highlighting accomplishments across the five boroughs, along with a dropdown menu to sort initiatives by the administration’s key priorities. 

 

In his first 100 days, Mayor Mamdani has delivered results for New Yorkers. On Day 8, the Mayor joined Governor Hochul to announce a historic $1.2 billion investment in universal child care, including a 1,000-seat expansion of 3-K. This fall, the Mamdani administration will offer full-day, full-year 2-K seats for the first time in city history.  

 

The administration has also secured more than $9 million in restitution for workers and small businesses, expanded protected time off for 4.3 million workers and delivered $34 million in repairs, settlements and judgements on behalf of tenants. 

 

“New Yorkers deserve a government that works as hard as they do,” said Mayor Mamdani. “We promised transparency and accountability, and this website lets people see exactly when and where we’re investing in our city. The best part is, this is only the beginning.”  

 

Since taking office Jan. 1,  Mayor Mamdani has made stops and announcements in all five boroughs. From filling the 100,000th pothole in Staten Island to clearing illegal dumping in the Bronx, the map illustrates the scope of the administration’s work in its first 100 days.  

 

The website is organized around four key themes: delivering child care for all, tackling corruption and waste, solving problems big and small and protecting all New Yorkers. The interactive map also includes links to press releases, photos, videos and other relevant information.  

BRAC - Spring Classes 2026 Are Go!

Let your creative spirit bloom this spring!Registration for BRAC's Spring 2026 Art Classes is open, with courses in painting, ceramics, drawing, and more!

Spring Classes 2026



Monday Ceramics with Monoprinting: Textures & Transfers (4pm)

Monday Pottery (6:30pm)

Tuesday Handbuilding (4pm)

Tuesday Pottery (6:30pm)

Wednesday Comic Book Design (4pm)

Wednesday Glass Canvas: Stained Glass (4pm)

Wednesday Glass Canvas: Stained Glass (6:30pm)

Thursday Handbuilding (4pm)

Thursday Pottery (6:30pm)

Thursday Watercolor Painting (6:30pm)

Saturday Comic Book Design (11am)

Saturday Printmaking Linoleum (1pm)

Saturday Portrait Painting (3:30pm)

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News - $126 Million Returned to Rightful Owners in March

 

Corporate America Needs to Come Clean About AI’s Impact on Jobs

AI is rapidly reshaping how companies operate, promises major gains in productivity, and is increasingly driving hiring decisions, workforce size and layoffs. Comptroller DiNapoli recently authored an op-ed in City & State New York explaining why, as Trustee of the New York State Common Retirement Fund, he’s calling on corporations to increase transparency around AI’s impacts on workers.

Read Comptroller DiNapoli's Op-Ed

$126 Million in Unclaimed Funds Returned in March

The Office of the State Comptroller returned $126 million in unclaimed funds to its rightful owners during the month of March. From uncashed payroll checks to forgotten bank accounts, Comptroller DiNapoli is dedicated to putting money back into the pockets of the people and organizations it belongs to.

Search for Unclaimed Funds

New York State Agency Overtime Costs Increased by $1.6 Billion in 2025

New York State agency overtime costs increased 22.7% in 2025 for a total of $1.6 billion, while the number of overtime hours increased by 5.9%, or 1.4 million hours, higher than the previous year, according to the annual report issued by Comptroller DiNapoli examining state agencies’ overtime and workforce trends. The size of the state workforce, not including SUNY and CUNY, grew for a third straight year in 2025 increasing by 2.7%, or 4,139 positions, from 2024, to an average annual total of 155,448.

“The use of overtime by state agencies continued to climb with overtime as a share of payroll at its second highest rate since at least 2007,” DiNapoli said. “Agencies need to ensure usage is justified while continuing to safely and effectively provide the services New Yorkers expect and deserve.”

Learn More

Post-Pandemic Unemployment in NYC Persists for Some Demographic Groups

The December unemployment rate in New York City remained higher than pre-pandemic levels for several demographic groups, particularly for youths and Blacks, according to a report released by Comptroller DiNapoli. The report also found that non-college-educated unemployment is closer to pre-pandemic levels than college-educated unemployment, a major shift from earlier in the decade.

“New York City continues to experience uneven employment across demographic groups, even as overall unemployment has improved since the pandemic,” DiNapoli said. “My report found that youths and Black people continue to face elevated unemployment while women, people without children, native-born and those with a college education are more likely to face higher unemployment now than in years past. These findings identify where support may be needed to fuel stronger and more broad-based workforce participation.”

Learn More

M U N I C I P A L   &   S C H O O L    A U D I T S

• East Norwich Volunteer Fire Company Number 1 – Fuel Monitoring
• City of Ithaca – Records and Reports
• Town of Cato – Supervisor’s Records and Reports
• Cincinnatus Fire Department – Financial Management
• Monroe 2-Orleans Board of Cooperative Educational Services – MiFi Usage Billings
• Town of Brant – Transparency of Fiscal Activities
• Truxton Fire District – Audit Follow-Up
• Chittenango Central School District – Audit Follow-Up

A L S O   I N   T H E   N E W S

• New York state workforce overtime surged 23% in 2025, driven by DOCCS, prison strike, DiNapoli says
• Post-pandemic unemployment persists in NYC: DiNapoli
• NY Sees Drop in International Tourism in 2025
• NYS Comptroller says federal tariffs are driving the state's drop in tourism and exports

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P O S T   O F   T H E   W E E K

DHS Issues Statement on Pedophile Convicted of Assaulting High School Girls in Fairfax County

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the below statement following the conviction of Israel Christopher Flores-Ortiz, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador, after his conviction for nine counts of assault and battery while attending Fairfax High School. 

ICE lodged an arrest detainer requesting Virginia sanctuary politicians not release this criminal illegal alien from jail back into our communities to prey on more innocent young women. Flores-Ortiz will be sentenced on April 21.

“This 18-year-old criminal illegal alien should NOT have been attending a Virginia high school and allowed to prey on innocent teenage girls. Following his criminal convictions for nine counts of assault and battery, we are once again calling on Governor Spanberger and her fellow sanctuary politicians to NOT RELEASE this sexual predator from jail back into our communities to victimize more innocent women,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “This is yet another example of the Biden Administration’s failed open border policies.”

Flores-Ortiz illegally entered the United States in 2024 and was RELEASED into the country under the Biden Administration. 

Governor Spanberger’s decision to end cooperation with ICE in Virginia has allowed criminals to be released back into American communities. When politicians bar local law enforcement from working with DHS, our law enforcement officers need to have a more visible presence so that we can find and apprehend the criminals let out of jails and back into communities. While Governor Spanberger continues to allow the release of pedophiles, rapists, gang members, and murderers onto Virginia’s streets, DHS law enforcement will continue to risk their lives to arrest these heinous criminals. 

DHS law enforcement is protecting American communities every day from another senseless tragedy like this taking place in another town, to another family. Victims of illegal alien crime may receive support from the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office by contacting 1-855-488-6423. 

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Sopchoppy Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Gun & Drug Crimes

 

Howard Neil Martin, 46, of Sopchoppy, Fla., was sentenced to seven-and-a half years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

“This joint investigation removes another methamphetamine trafficker from our North Florida communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, Tampa Field Division. “I’m thankful to our law enforcement partners for their support in bringing this criminal to justice.”

The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the excellent investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners, and the aggressive prosecution of this repeat offender by my office, our community can rest assured he will spend several years in prison for his armed drug dealing. Keeping our streets safe and drug-free remains a top priority for my office, and we will continue to deliver successful prosecutions under the Department of Justices Operation Take Back America initiative.”

Court documents reflect that Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report about a burglary in progress. When they arrived, the defendant was parked in the driveway of the residence and in a verbal dispute with someone watching the residence for the homeowner. Officers could see a firearm in plain view inside the defendant’s truck and upon running his criminal history, learned that he was a convicted felon. Officers ultimately searched the truck and located approximately half a pound of crystal methamphetamine.

Sheriff Jared F. Miller, Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office said: “Cases like this highlight the ongoing threat illegal drugs and firearms pose to our community. I’m proud of our deputies for their quick response and strong partnership with our federal agencies to ensure dangerous offenders are held accountable.”

When the defendant is released from prison, he will be on supervised release for a period of five years.

The case involved an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.