Federal authorities have successfully captured Gregory Henderson Jr., a 46-year-old alleged leader of a violent Indianapolis gang, who was recently placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. His apprehension occurred just three days after his inclusion on the high-profile list, which came with a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to his arrest.
Henderson had managed to elude law enforcement since a major federal operation targeting his alleged criminal organization in August 2023. He faces an array of federal charges, including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture.
The FBI asserts that Henderson headed a significant Indianapolis-based gang whose drug distribution network was reportedly supplied by the notorious Sinaloa Cartel. This network is believed to have facilitated the trafficking of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl across Indianapolis and wider parts of the Midwest region.
Extensive Criminal Enterprise Uncovered
Henderson's addition to the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list on August 11 came with a warning describing him as armed and dangerous. His indictment, alongside 20 other individuals, occurred in the Southern District of Indiana in August 2023, encompassing charges related to drug trafficking and dog fighting conspiracies.
A large-scale takedown operation later that month involved more than 300 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers. While 18 individuals were arrested during this sweep, Henderson managed to escape capture at the time. During the operation, federal agents confiscated 61 firearms, significant quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, $98,000 in cash, and 166 fighting dogs.
Investigators also uncovered what the FBI described as a substantial dog fighting and illegal gambling operation, which Henderson allegedly orchestrated. FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Tim O’Malley highlighted Henderson's alleged criminal history, stating, “Henderson Jr. has a long history of criminal activity, including street violence, intimidation, assault, and weapons, in addition to drug trafficking and animal cruelty.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General was among the federal agencies that collaborated on the case. Specific details regarding the location and methods of Henderson's recent capture have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Tracking High-Value Fugitives
Henderson's capture marks the ninth FBI Ten Most Wanted fugitive apprehended since President Donald Trump assumed office. According to the FBI, these nine fugitives collectively spent more than five decades evading authorities. The agency notes that this figure is more than double the four Ten Most Wanted fugitives captured during the preceding administration.
Patel, a prominent figure, commented on the success, stating, “Nine Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitives is more than twice as many as captured under the entirety of the prior administration — and this FBI and our partners did it in 18 months under President Trump’s brilliant leadership.” Patel further elaborated on Henderson's case: “Gregory Henderson Jr. had been on the run for a year, wanted for his alleged involvement in major drug trafficking operation and animal fighting conspiracies as the alleged leader of a violent neighborhood-based gang located in Indianapolis, Indiana - a gang with significant drug distribution ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.”
Patel also commended the efforts of law enforcement, adding, “This administration is letting good cops be cops and they are delivering in historic ways. I’d like to congratulate our FBI Indianapolis team who led this case from the beginning and thank our great Justice Department and law enforcement partners who righteously pursued this case with us.”
