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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowTwo Indiana men will spend decades in federal prison after being sentenced for their role in a large drug trafficking ring operating in Kokomo, United States Attorney Josh Minkler announced Friday.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office on Friday said that a 42-year federal sentence was handed to Reggie M. Balentine, 43, for his involvement in the drug ring. His co-conspirator, Perry O. Jones, 45, was also sentenced to nearly 22 years in federal prison.
Fifteen Kokomo residents, including Balentine and Perry, were arrested after an extensive investigation by federal investigators that took place between the fall of 2017 and May 2018.
The investigation revealed that Balentine was coordinating drug shipments from co-conspirator, Pierre Riley, in Atlanta, for further distribution in the Kokomo area by Michael Jones. Jones was earlier sentenced to 35 years, as were other co-conspirators, including Perry.
Federal investigators said Balentine would utilize female couriers to travel between Kokomo and Georgia to deliver controlled substances to Balentine and deliver drug proceeds to Riley, his supplier, in Georgia. The couriers would travel by bus or vehicle to complete the task.
Investigators were also able to arrest two hitmen who were were hired by the organization to travel from Atlanta to Kokomo to murder a Kokomo resident.
During the investigation, agents seized 17 pounds of methamphetamine, 2 pounds of cocaine, 2 ounces of heroin, 122 grams of fentanyl, $37,000 in drug proceeds and 24 firearms.
Balentine pleaded guilty in October 2019 to federal offenses of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances; distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; conspiracy to use interstate commerce in the commission of murder-for-hire; felon in possession of a firearm; attempted possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Perry likewise plead guilty to federal offenses of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances; felon in possession of a firearm; and possession of a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
Balentine must serve an additional five years of supervised release and Perry and additional 10 years of supervised release following their sentences.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and the Kokomo Police Department.
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