PUBLIC SAFETY

Drug raid in Scott County linked to HIV epidemic

Federal and local authorities have broken up a drug ring in Scott County, arresting eight people and confiscating guns, cash and drugs Friday morning.

Jill Disis
IndyStar
Indiana's health commissioner has approved needle-exchange programs in four counties -- the latest of which is Monroe County.

U.S. attorney Josh Minkler on Friday announced indictments against 10 people accused of distributing prescription and illegal drugs in Scott County.

The announcement came hours after federal, state and local authorities broke up the Southern Indiana drug ring, which officials said dealt in methamphetamine and the prescription painkiller Opana.

"Scott County was targeted by an organization with the goal of infesting that community with drugs," Minkler said in a statement. "This became an epidemic and local local law enforcement asked for our help. Today, I am pleased to announce that the organization has been dismantled, but this is only a start, one aspect of a bigger solution.”

The investigation into the ring comes after last year's HIV outbreak in Scott County, the worst ever in Indiana. Officials blamed the crisis on an epidemic of intravenous drug use and unsafe needle-sharing practices. According to a statement released by Minkler's office, an Opana pill is worth up to $160 on the street and can be dissolved and injected by up to four individuals looking for a high.

The bust announced Friday began in June 2015, Minkler's office said, when agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration began working with Scott County authorities to find the source of Opana and methamphetamine distribution in Scott County. Those investigators identified Bennito L. Rodriguez, 38, and his wife Brooklynn G. Mack, 29, both of Scottsburg, Ind., as the two leading the ring.

The other eight people indicted include:

• Rashawn A. Vaughn, a/k/a Ray, 41, Louisville, Ky.

• Eric L. Gude, 36, Indianapolis.

• Rashaan S. Perkins, a/k/a Phil, a/k/a D, 21, Detroit.

• Anthony L. Hardy, 39, Indianapolis.

• James D. Haney, 56, Austin, Ind.

• Justin M. Roberts, a/k/a Booger, 38, Austin, Ind.

• Travis D. Brock, 34, Scottsburg.

• Michael A. Doyle, 38, Scottsburg.

According to Minkler's office, 188 HIV cases have been reported in Scott County in the past 13 months.  About a year ago, the county started a needle exchange program as one way of combating the spread of HIV.

The defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance. They face a punishment of 10 years to life in prison if convicted of those charges, according to Minkler's office.

Gov. Mike Pence issued a statement following the arrests, saying authorities "have sent a clear message that Indiana will not tolerate the actions of those who seek to profit from peddling dangerous substances in our communities.

“Hoosiers can rest assured that this administration will continue to combat drug abuse in Indiana," he added. "We are implementing recommendations from the Governor’s Task Force on Drug Enforcement, Treatment and Prevention and will continue to pursue policies that increase penalties on serious drug offenders."

Southern Indiana�s HIV outbreak tops 180 cases

Call IndyStar reporter Jill Disis at (317) 444-6137. Follow her on Twitter: @jdisis.