Steven Hecke, age 44, and Samuel Battell, age 34, both of Fort Wayne, Indiana were charged in a criminal complaint filed late January 15, 2020 with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl along with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

According to documents in this case, on or about January13, 2020, agents executed a series of search warrants at multiple locations in Allen County. During the execution of search warrants, law enforcement found approximately 19 pounds of methamphetamine, 900 grams of fentanyl, multiple firearms and U.S. Currency.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a Criminal Complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

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

The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Allen County Drug Task Force with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Noble County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.