Federal jury convicts Indianapolis man of armed meth trafficking after 2020 Fishers traffic stop

Conviction follows vehicle stop and firearms, drugs seized

A federal jury has found an Indianapolis man guilty of armed drug trafficking and firearms offenses after a traffic stop in Fishers that investigators said led to the discovery of methamphetamine, heroin mixed with fentanyl, and multiple handguns.

The verdict, returned in federal court in Indianapolis, found Manuel L. Brown, 49, guilty of trafficking methamphetamine, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney presided over the trial and is expected to schedule sentencing at a later date. The convictions expose Brown to a potential sentence of up to life in federal prison.

What investigators said was found during the stop

Authorities traced the case to Sept. 3, 2020, when Fishers police officers stopped a Dodge Caravan after observing multiple traffic violations. Brown was identified as the driver. A police K-9 was brought to the scene and indicated the presence of drugs, prompting a search of the vehicle, investigators said.

Officers reported finding a glass pipe with methamphetamine residue, four firearms, packaging materials and scales commonly associated with drug distribution, ammunition, and cash. Investigators said multiple plastic bags contained about 214 grams of methamphetamine and about 20 grams of a heroin-and-fentanyl mixture.

• Four firearms, including multiple revolvers and a .45-caliber pistol in a zippered case
• Drug quantities described as 214 grams of methamphetamine and 20 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl
• Two digital scales and plastic bags consistent with drug packaging
• Multiple boxes of ammunition and $1,750 in cash

Phone evidence and prior felony status

Investigators also cited data extracted from Brown’s mobile phone, describing messages consistent with drug trafficking and images of drugs on scales, along with a photo of one of the seized firearms.

Prosecutors argued Brown was barred from possessing firearms because of a prior felony conviction for criminal confinement, making the weapons charges a separate and significant component of the case.

Next steps in federal court

Sentencing will determine the length of any prison term within the statutory ranges tied to the drug and firearms counts. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fishers Police Department.

The jury’s verdict establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt on the charged trafficking and firearms offenses; the court will address punishment at a later sentencing hearing.