HAMMOND – Lamont Coleman, 36 years old, and Katrina Owens, 24 years old, both of Gary, Indiana were charged via criminal complaint on August 28, 2018 with conspiracy to distribute heroin. Also charged, in an Indictment returned on August 16, 2018, were Leroy Coleman, 55 years old, Tony Petty, 52 years old, and Augustine Pike, 45 years old, all of Gary, Indiana. The Indictment contains charges of distribution of heroin.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Cooperative partnerships between local, state and federal agencies are essential to reducing the availability of controlled substances in the Northern District of Indiana.  My Office, with our partners, will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute these cases.”

“Drug traffickers feed on the addiction of Hoosiers who struggle with drug abuse and contribute to the violence in our communities,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Greg Westfall.  “Those who continue to bring this poison into our neighborhoods should know, the DEA is watching and will bring the full force of federal law enforcement to bear.”  

Porter County Chief Deputy Jeffery Biggs said, “This operation was in response to the ongoing investigations of the Heroin Overdose Response Project.   The Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group will continue to target the drug dealers responsible for overdoses in northwest Indiana.”

According to documents in the case, Lamont Coleman and Katrina Owens led a heroin distribution operation out of various properties owned by Lamont Coleman in Gary, Indiana. Lamont Coleman and Owens provided heroin to various individuals, including Leroy Coleman, Tony Petty, and Augustine Pike, and dispatched them to deliver the heroin to customers. Law enforcement executed search warrants at various properties owned by Lamont Coleman in Gary and recovered various narcotics and three firearms.

The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that charging documents, such as an indictment or a complaint, are merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.

If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case was investigated by the DEA and the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.

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